The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development has announced that anyone who spots suspicious fishing activity in Western Australian waters can now report it through its new FishWatch online service.
In a statement, the Department said the fishing, boating and beachcombing community had an important role to play in helping protect the State’s oceans and waterways.
“The new online FishWatch platform allows users to provide detailed illegal fishing tip-offs, such as car and boat registrations, times, dates and locations,” the Department said.
“There is also an option to include supporting photos or screenshots.”
It said this information would help it tackle illegal fishing behaviour which harmed fish, impacted the marine environment and undermined the experience of responsible fishers.
Minister for Fisheries, Don Punch anyone who saw or heard about a fishing activity that wasn’t right, should make a report through the new FishWatch online reporting service or use the 24-hour hotline.
“This may include someone netting where they shouldn’t be, exceeding their bag limits, taking under-sized fish, fishing in a closed area, or attempting to sell recreationally-caught fish,” Mr Punch said.
“With technology now constantly at our fingertips, photos, videos or screenshots can be quickly uploaded to this online reporting service and provide valuable leads to assist our officers investigate and stop illegal fishing activities.”
He said past reports to the FishWatch hotline had resulted in successful apprehensions, “so by reporting what you see, you will assist us in protecting WA’s fish resources for future generations”.
The new service will complement the existing FishWatch 24-hour hotline, which remains available.
