An illegal marron trap has claimed the life of six turtles, while four more cling to life under the care of Darling Range Wildlife Shelter.
The trap was discovered on Sunday, with a community member pulling the illegal trap from the river and making a terrible discovery, according to DRWS manager Yaz Hunter.
“When the net was pulled up, thankfully two live turtles crawled out,” she said.
“There were another 10 that were caught in the net and they were all admitted to Darling Range Wildlife Centre.
“On arrival, six were deceased – five males and an adult female – and the four remaining, four adult males, are currently in care in a critical condition.”
Wildlife officers from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions were immediately contacted, as was the Fisheries Department’s Fishwatch illegal fishing reporting line.
The WA marron season ran from midday on Sunday January 8 until midday on February 5.
Marron fishers are required to be licensed, using only allowed fishing gear and abiding by Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development rules.
Ms Hunter said turtles being caught in illegal traps was unfortunately quite common.
“People throw the traps into the rivers or wetlands and they sink to the bottom,” she said.
“Turtles access them the same way as crustaceans, and crustaceans can survive but turtles inevitably drawn.
“This is something we see that is quite common.
“These turtles are South Western Snake-Neck Turtles, or Oblong Turtles, and while they’re not listed as endangered their populations are declining rapidly, particularly breeding females.”
A Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development spokeperson urged anyone with information on who may have placed the illegal traps in Canning River to contact FishWatch on 1800 815 507 or report what they know through the online form on Crimestoppers.
“We recommend that people do not approach anyone they think is involved in illegal activity involving fish or fishing and simply report their concerns to FishWatch.
“Fish traps cannot be used for any recreational fishing, including cherabin, crab, fish or yabby. Fines may be as high as $5000.
“In line with DPIRD’s ‘Don’t Get Caught in a Trap’ campaign, recreational fish traps are illegal to use in state waters due to their ongoing threat to our native wildlife, especially if the traps are lost or abandoned.”
