Marron Season ends this Sunday (at Midday)
Marron fishers are expected to be out at popular fishing spots this weekend, as the 2009 Marron Season draws to a close at Noon on Sunday (8 February 2009).
Department of Fisheries Principal Management Officer Nathan Harrison said thousands of people had headed down to South West irrigation dams and rivers this season to fish for marron.
“The experience of camping out around karri-lined rivers or tranquil dams to fish for marron is highly valued by many Western Australians, but, to protect this wild fishery, which is unique to our State, there are strict controls, including a limited season of three weeks,” Mr Harrison said.
“The number of marron licences were well up this year, with over 9,000 people taking out a licence. This is in addition to the 14,000 people taking out umbrella licences. Last year around 7000 licences were issued.
Mr Harrison said Fisheries and Marine Officers in the South West had found the majority of recreational marron fishers they came across had followed the rules, however, there had been some people who had not done the right thing.
“Fishers using scoop nets at Wellington Dam, which like all major public dams is a snare-only area, had been issued with infringements,” he said. “Those found with undersize catch were also fined.
“Our officers also noted there were fewer fishers than normal along the southern rivers, including the Warren, Gardiner, Shannon and Deep. However, the catches in those locations appeared to be slightly up in both numbers and size.”
Mr Harrison said anecdotal information from the Blackwood River indicated the usual number of fishers had taken the opportunity there of enjoying the experience of marron fishing and some good size marron were caught, although, the number of legal size marron was low.
“Fisheries and Marine officers issued two infringements for using illegal traps in the Blackwood and the Margaret Rivers,” he said. “The traps used can legally be sold by tackle stores, but they cannot be used for marron fishing.
“Recreational marron fishers should be aware that, because the traps are illegal for marron fishing, the equipment can be seized by our officers. Not only will they be out of pocket for their purchase they will also face a hefty fine for using them.”
Mr Harrison said there would be a review of the 2009 season, following post-season research sampling in key dams and rivers. This information will be used to identify any sustainability issues before the dates of next season are decided.
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