The rock lobster fishing season opened on Saturday with a warning from fisheries and marine officers on responsible fishing and the consequences of breaking the rules.
Fisheries officers will be focusing on rock lobster fishing offenders in relation to interference with other people’s fishing gear.
Offenders risk losing their fishing gear and having their vessel seized.
The crack down on gear interference isn’t the only change going into the new season.
Fisheries minister Joe Francis announced changes in catch storage flexibility, allowing fishermen to store the tail of their catch without the head.
In the past the law required lobsters to be kept and stored whole unless being prepared to be eaten immediately.
Mr Francis said it was a common sense rule change to allow lobster fishers to free up freezer space while still ensuring the tails remain in premium condition.
“However, allowing people to be in possession of rock lobster tails only applies to their principal place of residence, and not a boat, caravan, or tent, for example,” Mr Francis said.
Coastal Water Dive’s Torry Goodall said this season is shaping up to be a particularly good one.
“I sent all my staff out on Saturday but the weather was just too rough and after this winter it’s a credit to the divers who managed to fight the urge and stay out of the water,” he said.
“On Sunday there was still a bit of surge but a couple of our dedicated guys went down off Bunbury and off Canal Rocks and both got their quota, which is great news.
“This weekend is shaping up to be fantastic and I think everyone’s just ready to get into the water.”