Five men fined over a massive haul of undersized crabs in Mandurah faced court again on Friday, asking for their penalties to be decreased.
Biak Za Hmung, Pa Hniang Pa Uk, Van Biak Thong Sam Cin, Ni Ling Sarum and Ngun Hu Zaathang were each charged with possession of a totally protected fish.
They all pleaded guilty and were convicted in Mandurah Magistrates Court in March.
During sentencing, the court heard the men had been scooping for crabs in Coodanup on December 3, 2016, while Fisheries officers observed and photographed them from shore.
When the men returned to their vehicle about 9pm, officers conducted a search and found 183 blue manna crabs in the boot of their car.
Of these crabs, 182 were undersized, the smallest measuring just 88.9mm.
The minimum size for a legal crab catch is 127mm.
The crabs were seized and released by Fisheries officers.
Each offender was fined $9100 and ordered to each pay court costs of $188.
On Friday, a translator for the men said they wanted their fines reviewed, but magistrate Anne Longden said the fines imposed were mandatory, and there was nothing she could do to lessen them.
Through their translator, the men said they were experiencing financial difficulties and they offered to write a letter of apology if the fines were decreased.
The men were advised to seek advice on payment options, with the fines to stand.
