Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Current WA fisheries possesion limits state:

"The maximum quantity of finfish (includes
scalefish, sharks and rays) you may have in your
possession – either whole or in pieces – is:
• 20 kg of fish fillets; or
• 10 kg of fish fillets and one day’s bag limit of
whole fish or fish trunks; or
• two days’ bag limit of whole fish or fish trunks.
At the Abrolhos Islands the possession limit is:
• 10 kg of fish fillets; or
• one day’s bag limit of whole fish or fish trunks.
“Fillet” means any particular piece of a finfish,
other than a whole fish, fish trunk, head, tail or
fin. “Trunk” means a fish that has had its head
and tail removed.
For more information see our Abrolhos Islands
Information Guide available from Department of
Fisheries offices or the website.
These limits now apply throughout WA, including
permanent and temporary places of residence.
The following baitfish are not included in the finfish
possession limit: hardyhead (Atherinidae), sardines/
pilchards (Clupeidae), whitebait (Engraulidae),
garfish (Hemirhamphidae) and mullet (Mugilida).
Commercially purchased fish are not included, but
you may be asked for proof of purchase.
Some species have a specific possession limit
(see bag and size limit tables on pages 6 – 29).
Note: Unless it can be proven otherwise, you are
assumed to be in possession/control of the fish
if you are using/in control of a vessel, vehicle,
refrigerator, freezer, icebox or other storage
device in which fish are found.
Labelling stored fish
If the quantity of fish stored in a single
container/freezer exceeds one person’s
possession limit, the fish must be clearly
labelled with the name of the owner(s).Finfish possession limits 33
Labels, of at least 75 mm long and 25 mm wide,
must be securely attached to each container or
package of fish. The full name of the owner must
be legibly written on the label and be clearly
visible for inspection."

Just wondering what the situation is if say you had over 40kg of trout that you grew in your AP system in your freezer and fisheries came knocking on your door? There would be no receipts so should we be keeping receipts for our fingerling purchases.

I think because we are growing them ourselves in AP and not caught in waterways, the rules wouldnt apply. Not sure..

But if they decided to be difficult you would have to demonstrate that.

I got pinged for something recently and it was a pain in the bum because how do you prove you didn't do something?

I didn't get a fine or anything but I had to try and demonstrate that the meat I had in my possession was from a feral pig and not a domestic pig. Also in my investigation I've found that the rules governing the hunting of game are in conflict with the rules for the consumption of game even for your own personal use.

Its our civil liberty - guilty until proven innocent

I know that these rules do not apply to AP grown stuff, BUT as Stuart says what if they are assholes and ask you for proof with the presumption of guilt until you prove otherwise, will they happily say - 'OK thanks I believe that you grew them all yourself, no receipt required, as you were soldier".

Yeah, interesting thoughts Matty. Fisheries being difficult? No waaay

You'll have your translocation paperwork as proof that you got in the fingerlings...

Lucky I've not got 40kg of trout - better eat the remaining evidence!

Another note is that the fisheries watch this forum so if they hadnt thought of it before.... they will have now lol

If that's the case Charlie, it'd be nice if they would register an account and clarify the regulations for interested parties.
Rather than skulk in the dark corners searching for violations...
Being proactive about education would be just as important as enforcement.
But I guess they just don't think the same way that I do.

The was a translocation officier that had a login at one stage...

Did he move on

Hello

Get real people; fisheries officers will catch you on a beach on a road, usually from a fishing spot. Entering your home is another matter, unless they can prove you are a really really naughty boy.

Fisheries officers are Public Servants, they have enough to do without the headache of putting themselves up as total dickheads. There are of course the exceptions (eg the idiots who took the crayfisherman to the High Court and cost the State millions).

Couldnt disagree with you more sleepe. If they have reason or suspicion... they will visit you at home. Im living proof, and I live 400km from a waterway.

I think its still valid - the discussion is regarding possession, which may not be at home and could be while transporting. Most of the busts I've heard of lately have been at service stations.

edit - sounds like Charlie may have had a visit at home anyhow! Its a concern to me as a fisherman as I could easily get close to 20kg of fillets with a few good fish caught from the ocean and any AP stocks could put me over.

+1 Sleepe
Under the Fish Resources Management Act Section 185 it states


There is heaps of case law on what constitutes reasonable suspicion and it needs to be grounded in facts. In my experience most access to residences is with the consent (informed or otherwise) of the occupier.

They can of course enter under a warrant under section 187 for the purpose of ascertaining whether a person has
contravened or is contravening a provision of this Act. However they must convince a JP of the basis for the warrant.