Men charged, marron released

Two Bunbury men have been charged after allegedly poaching more than 70 marron from Harvey Dam.

About 10.30pm on November 24, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development fisheries officers allegedly caught the men, aged 32 and 36, about 2km from the dam on their way home after a night of marronning.

Officers allegedly found more than 70 marron, including 60 which were undersize or carrying eggs.

They were released alive later that night into a nearby river.

A Fisheries WA spokesman said the men could face big fines, including mandatory additional penalties based on 10 times the prescribed value of the marron.

On October 29, another six fishers were charged after being found at Harvey Dam in possession of illegal fishing gear and marron.

These charges came as part of Operation Kerinci, which started at the end of October, aimed at offenders taking marron out of season and using illegal gear such as traps.

The recreational marron fishing season runs from noon on January 8 to noon on February 5.

Members of the public can report illegal fishing or marronning activity by ringing the FishWatch reporting number 1800 815 507.