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Fisheries seize Kalbarri boat after investigation

A 51-year-old Kalbarri man under suspicion of illegal fishing activity has had his boat seized by the Department of Fisheries.

Geraldton-based Fisheries and Marine Officers conducted investigations into allegations of recreationally caught lobster and fish being sold and over-potting of recreational lobster pots by concerned Kalbarri residents.

Under section 193 (1) of the Fish Resources Management Act 1994, a fisheries officer has the power to seize any fishing gear and any boat, vehicle, aircraft or trailer they have reasonable grounds to suspect has been used in the commission of an offence under the Act.

Any money suspected to be the proceeds of the sale of fish in contravention of the Act may also be seized.

Department of Fisheries Midwest compliance manager Mick Kelly said charges against the man had not yet been laid, but investigations were ongoing. “We anticipate a prosecution will be the result, ” he said.

If he is convicted of an offence under the Fish Resources Management Act, it is at the discretion of the court whether items seized are forfeited to the Crown.

Items forfeited to the Crown may be sold, and profits kept.