Recreational marron fishers are reminded to make sure they know the fishing rules for the start of the marron season.
To ensure this highly-valued fishery remains sustainable into the future, the season is limited to a four-week period commencing from Tuesday, January 8 noon and running until noon on Tuesday, February 5.
Recreational marron fishers are encouraged to know and adhere to bag and size limits and use only legal fishing gear.
A licence is required to fish for marron and, as of this week, more than 10,000 individual recreational marron fishing licences have been issued for the season ahead.
Licences can be purchased online via www.fish.wa.gov.au
Director of Aquatic Resource Management, for the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Nathan Harrison said fishing for marron was an experience unique to Western Australia.
“This popular freshwater crustacean is only found in the southern half of WA,” Mr Harrison said.
“During the four-week season, large numbers of marron fishers are expected to flock to popular camping locations on the major South West freshwater rivers and irrigation dams - including the Wellington Dam, the Blackwood River, Moore River and Harvey Dam.”
Mr Harrison said the marron experience could only be safeguarded by careful management and fishers treating marron stocks with a sense of personal responsibility and stewardship.
“The limited four-week season and strict fishing rules makes the marron fishery one of the most carefully managed recreational fisheries in Australia,” he said.
“I encourage fishers to make the most of season but know the rules and adhere to bag limits.”
Fisheries officers will be in the field inspecting catches of marron, fishing gear and licenses along with departmental education officers promoting sustainable fishing.
Anyone who notices suspicious fishing activity is urged to report it by calling FishWatch on 1800 815 507.