As the annual marron season kicked off at midday on Tuesday, recreational marron fishers were being reminded to make sure they know the fishing rules before seeking the South West specialty.
To ensure the highly-valued fishery remains sustainable into the future, the season is limited to a four-week period starting on Tuesday January 8 at 12pm and running until 12pm 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 last week, more than 10,000 individual recreational marron fishing licences had been issued for the season.
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Aquatic Resource Management director 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,” he 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.
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.
For more information and to purchase licences visit fish.wa.gov.au.
