Twist after 200kg of shark heads dumped outside a minister’s office in protest of strict fishing laws
A group of angry fishermen have been charged after dumping 200kg of shark heads on the doorstep of a minister.
Three men from Bunbury, in Western Australia’s southwest, allegedly travelled 100km to leave the remains outside Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis’ electoral office in Margaret River on Monday morning.
The disturbing alleged act was in protest of new laws brought in to protect endangered demersal fish, bottom dwellers.
Recreational boat fishing for demersals along the west coast from Kalbarri to Augusta, a 900km stretch, will be banned until September 2027.
For commercial operators, the ban is permanent.
Trawl nets will be outlawed in the Pilbara to protect dolphins, while charter fishing for demersals around Perth will also be banned.
The Pilbara, Kimberley and South Coast regions will also have commercial fishing catch limits temporarily reduced by half.
The new laws were enforced from December 16.
Three men are accused of leaving 200kg of shark heads (pictured) outside Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis’ electoral office
The alleged act was a protest against Jarvis’ (pictured) new fishing laws
Three men – aged 37, 36 and 34 – were arrested after allegedly dumping the bronze whaler, wobbegong, hammerhead and whiskery shark heads and a wetsuit reading ‘To Jackie from all fishermen’ at about 6.55am.
Each were charged with littering and trespassing.
The 36-year-old was also charged with possessing cannabis and cultivating a plant, while the 34-year-old was charged with possessing cannabis and unlawfully possessing a firearm.
A recreational fisherman who helped plan the protest told the ABC fishermen were angered by the new laws as they would massively affect their livelihoods.
‘She left them quite dirty so she was left quite dirty,’ he said.
‘The government has to come to the plate because we are uniting and people are realising what you are doing and we’re not going to stand for it.
‘We know our oceans and we know what we’re doing.’
Opposition fisheries spokeswoman Kirrilee Warr said less harsh action should have been taken when demersal fish populations began declining nine years ago.
Along with the shark heads, a wetsuit (pictured) reading ‘To Jackie from all fishermen’ was left outside the office
‘This crisis didn’t appear overnight. It is the direct result of a Government that failed to monitor, failed to plan and failed to consult,’ she said.
‘The decision has blindsided the commercial fishing industry, they are absolutely devastated.
‘Tourism, small businesses, charter operators, local accommodation, entire local economies built around fishing are now facing severe disruption.
‘These are towns where fishing is not just an activity; it is part of the identity, the culture, and the social fabric.’
A spokesman for the WA Government told news.com.au the new law would help ‘save demersal fish for future generations’.
‘These reforms follow extensive, respectful and inclusive consultation with industry and the community, including the Fishing Futures Forum and the public Have Your Say consultation which received thousands of submissions,’ he said.
‘The government will continue to work closely with industry and the community to ensure fishing can continue long into the future.’
A Fisheries Support Package worth $29.2million will be provided to assist commercial and recreational fishers adapt to the new laws.
The three men are due to face Bunbury Magistrates Court on January 22.
