Abrolhos Islands ‘micro nation prince’ Kristin MacDonald ordered to face court over fisheries charges

Bizarre scenes have played out in a Geraldton courtroom as the self-proclaimed “prince” of WA’s latest micro nation, which claims the Abrolhos Islands, failed to appear to face 12 charges of violating fisheries laws. Legal action was launched by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development against Kristin Rodney Donald MacDonald last month after he “repeatedly refuses to acknowledge the authority of the department”, prosecutor Ron Campbell said. “The department has taken every step possible to guide Mr MacDonald on his responsibilities under the Act,” he said. “He has declared himself as the prince of the Houtman Abrolhos ... and continues to refuse to acknowledge the authority of the department.” Mr MacDonald is alleged to have failed to notify authorities about travel to the Abrolhos Islands Fish Habitat Protection Area, using a jetty or mooring without written permission, and failing to comply with a directive of fisheries officers on four occasions in May and June. No pleas have been entered. In Geraldton Magistrate’s Court last week, Mr Campbell said the “unique circumstances” of the 39-year-old fisherman’s alleged offending came to officers’ attention last September. He said the department had a copy of a 109-page manifesto outlining Mr MacDonald’s claims. In a document available online, signed with Mr MacDonald’s fingerprint and the phrase “without ill will, vexation or frivolity”, he declared sovereignty over the Abrolhos Islands and three nautical miles surrounding the chain on October 21, 2020. The manifesto claims dominion over all affairs relating to activity on, and around, the islands as the “creditor, prince and minister” of the Houtman Abrolhos micro nation. Mr MacDonald declined to speak when contacted by the Geraldton Guardian, instead providing a link to a blog post where he claims DPIRD is “harassing” his family and “trying to criminally extort money”. “They are a corporation and they only care about increasing their own profits, and couldn’t care less about destroying coastal communities and kicking people out of employment,” the statement said. Mr Campbell told the court prosecutors would normally request Mr MacDonald be convicted in his absence but: “we would like him to face the court and answer to these charges in person”. Magistrate Chris Miocevich agreed, saying: “I am well aware of Mr MacDonald and I think he should be here for the hearing.” “I am going to issue a summons. “If he doesn’t appear after he’s been personally handed a summons, I’ll issue an arrest warrant.” Mr MacDonald is scheduled to reappear in the same court on August 19.