Question On Notice No. 4141 asked in the Legislative Council on 18 May 2016 by Hon Lynn Maclaren
Question Directed to the: Attorney General representing the Minister for Fisheries
Parliament: 39 Session: 1
Question
I refer to surveillance undertaken of people suspected of planning to interfere with the lethal shark drumlines deployed off the coast of Perth and the South West in early 2014, and ask:
(a) over what period, commencing and ending on what dates, was surveillance conducted;
(b) will the Minister list the charges that were laid, including the number of individuals that were charged, as a direct result of those surveillance activities;
(c) how many staff were involved in the surveillance operations, including in the field and in support or supervisory roles;
(d) how many boats and motor vehicles were used in the operations; and
(e) in relation to (c), what types of illegal activity are these officers usually tasked with investigating?
Answered on 16 August 2016
The Department of Fisheries advises:
(a) As the information referred to is of an operational nature, I am unable to provide the information requested. Additionally, matters related to this information are presently subject to court proceedings.
(b) A total of 24 charges were lodged with the court for offences against section 172(b) of the Fish Resources Management Act 1994.
Without lawful excuse, interfered with fishing gear, namely a shark drum line, when neither the owner of that gear, nor acting with the authority of the owner of that gear contrary to section 172(b) of the Fish Resources Management Act 1994.”
There were 9 individuals charged.
10 of the charges involving 2 offenders relate to a matter that has been dealt with by the court.
14 charges involving 7 offenders remain in the court process.
(c)-(d) As the information referred to is of an operational nature, I am unable to provide the information requested. Additionally, matters related to this information are presently subject to court proceedings.
(e) Fisheries and Marine Officers investigate a range of matters as required, where breaches of the Fish Resources Management Act 1994, Fish Resources Management Regulations 1995 and other relevant fisheries legislation have occurred, or are suspected of occurring.