Shane Stephen Honan, 67, fined for illegal sale of 60 rock lobster after DPIRD investigation in Port Denison

A Mid West man has been fined more than $14,000 after he illegally sold 60 rock lobsters in Port Denison in 2021. Shane Stephen Honan, 67, pleaded guilty to two counts of intentionally or recklessly contravening a provision of a management plan in Geraldton Magistrates Court on December 11. A third charge of selling part of a rock lobster only was dismissed. The court was told on December 10, 2021 Honan illegally sold nine recreationally caught lobster and a lobster tail for $150. Days later on December 13 he sold another 15 whole lobster and 35 lobster tails for $750. Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development fisheries officers executed a search warrant at the man’s home on February 3, 2022 and seized a 4.5m runabout with pot tipper and trailer, four lobster pots and attached ropes and floats. The magistrate ordered that the man forfeit the pots and pot tipper, but was allowed to keep his boat and trailer. Honan was fined $4000 and issued with a mandatory additional penalty for the lobsters of $2146 and $6970. He was ordered to pay fisheries $900. The charges come following a DPIRD operation to crack down on the illegal trade of rock lobster in December 2021. DPIRD acting director of regional compliance for the Mid West Brendon Bellottie said the penalties handed down were a significant deterrent to others who may consider selling recreationally caught lobsters or other species in WA. “This case sends a strong message about black market sales of fish,” he said. “It’s illegal to sell or barter anything caught during recreational fishing. “Taking fish and selling them for gain, outside of our State’s commercial fisheries, not only jeopardises livelihoods of legitimately licensed fishers, but also threatens the sustainability of the fishery.” Mr Bellottie said recreational fishers who were involved in black market sales were on notice and needed to consider their vessel or vehicle could be seized and a big fine was on the line. “Seafood trafficking offences also carry a potential of four years in jail,” he said. DPIRD urges anyone concerned about someone involved in the illegal fish trade to call FishWatch on 1800 815 507 or lodge your report through Crimestoppers.