Fishing company fined $36,000 for Abrolhos Islands breach

A fishing company has been fined more than $36,000 for fishing outside prescribed hours at the Abrolhos Islands.

Elmwood Holdings Pty Ltd was today sentenced in Geraldton Magistrate’s Court, having earlier been convicted of contravening a provision of a management plan.

Magistrate Chris Miocevich described the offence as “unintentional” and imposed the minimum mandatory penalty.

He said although it took place in “extremely unusual circumstances” a deterrent was still necessary.