Fisheries officers on the tail of alleged black market rock lobster, Mid West part of search warrant

Boats, fishing equipment and 150 western rock lobsters have been seized by fisheries officers as investigations into the alleged lobster black market ramp up. Investigations into the illegal sale of recreationally caught rock lobster are ongoing as search warrants continue to be executed across WA. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development has revealed a series of search warrants were executed last month across Dongara, Lancelin and Perth. DPIRD fisheries officers said the warrants were part of a targeted operation which resulted in the seizure of three vessels, fishing equipment and more than 150 western rock lobster. DPIRD senior operations manager Mark Kleeman said the alleged illegal sale of recreationally caught rock lobster threatened the integrity of WA’s commercial fishing sector and the sustainability of the fishery. “Recreational fishing is about catching a feed for yourself and your family — and enjoying the experience along the way,” he said. “Western Australia’s commercial rock lobster fishers supply the community with sustainable, fresh and safe, high-quality product.” The series of raids come after a Geraldton woman was fined more than $11,000 for buying and selling recreationally caught rock lobster on the black market in March. Mr Kleeman said it was a timely reminder for people to only buy lobster through retail outlets or commercial fishers licensed to sell direct to the public. “Anyone engaging in the black market sale of recreationally caught rock lobster should be aware they face serious consequences, including substantial fines, the forfeiture of boats, vehicles or fishing equipment and the loss of fishing privileges,” he said.