​Unlawful interference with rock lobster pots led to an expensive day in court for three offenders this week. 

A Mandurah Court magistrate issued a man and a woman with fines and costs of $5,150.80 each, for joint offences. Another man was ordered to pay $4650.80 for offences he was found guilty of.

Raymond John SERGI (56) and Ruth Leanne CAWLEY (47) from Wannanup came to the attention of Fisheries and Marine Officers (FMOs), after numerous complaints from the public.

Mandurah Court heard there was targeted surveillance of the pair on Wednesday 22 October last year (2014), as they pulled rock lobster pots offshore from the Dawesville Cut and that there was further surveillance between late October and early December.

On 9 December, Sergi and Cawley were observed pulling a total of six lobster pots including three that did not belong to either of them. It is an offence to pull a rock lobster pot unless you are the gear identification holder of that pot. It is also an offence to interfere with any fishing gear. 

In a separate case before the Mandurah Court on Wednesday (24 June 2015), 32 year old Matthew Phillip PATTERSON from Halls Head was apprehended at the Dawesville Boat Ramp on 28 November last year (2014).

The court heard that, in a later record of interview, Patterson admitted to pulling six pots including two that were owned by a person or persons unknown to him.

Southern Metropolitan Region Compliance Manager Ryan Parker said the size of the fines against Sergi, Cawley and Patterson showed the seriousness with which interfering with fishing gear offences were considered.

“FMOs in Mandurah consider this to be an extremely serious offence, which impacts heavily on the fishers who are targeted by offenders. If we have the evidence we summons all offenders to a date with a magistrate, at Court,” Mr Parker said.

“We appreciate the help that members of the public provide to help us track down offenders and anyone with information is asked to call the FISHWATCH on 1800 815 507.”     

Recreational fishers should be aware that the 2014/15 rock lobster fishing season concludes next Tuesday 30 June 2015, the 2015/16 season will open on 15 October. Information and rules are outlined in the Recreational fishing for rock lobster guide, online at www.fish.wa.gov.au, or available from departmental offices, or Information Outlets.