Traps kill crocs, turtles

There is great concern for the number of creatures being killed by traps set for red claw crayfish in Lake Kununurra.

The trapping of red claw in Lake Kununurra has recently increased considerably. It is understood that red claw are not endemic to the Ord River and are believed to have been illegally introduced into the Lake in between 1999 and 2000. Anecdotal evidence suggests the population has since significantly increased.

Local recreational fishers have been keen to capitalise on this and are either trapping or diving for the animals.

The use of traps (opera house type traps, not to be confused with dilly pots or drop nets) in WA is illegal as they are responsible for indiscriminate trapping of other animals and can continue to 'ghost fish' if lost (trap and kill fish).

The East Kimberley Regional Recreational Fishing Advisory Committee (EKRRFAC) is concerned about the increase of reports with regards to crocodiles and long necked turtles becoming either trapped or entangled in the traps.

CALM spokesman Brad Rushforth said that crocodiles and freshwater turtles are protected species under the Wildlife Conservation Act and causing the death of these animals via illegal devices can attract heavy penalties.

A recent joint Fisheries patrol at the weekend ended with Fisheries officers seizing numerous traps.

Fisheries officers warned that people caught using the illegal traps would be prosecuted.

EKRRFAC chairperson Scott Goodson said that he certainly supported the recreational take of red claw and whilst some recreational fishers had attempted to modify their traps to reduce the incidents of by-catch, the recent reports of other animals being caught was unacceptable and urgent action was required.

"The local committee has drafted a discussion paper on the issue that is aimed at exploring alternative methods that minimise the risk to other animals," he said last week.

"It may be that a modified trap design could be the answer."

The paper will be presented at an RFAC meeting in Perth next week and will be seeking the support of the Department of Fisheries for a short study to look at appropriate methods and trap design that would be acceptable for the take of red claw in Lake Kununurra.

For further information on the draft discussion paper contact Scott Goodson on 9168 1082 or with regards to recreational fishing regulations contact the Department of Fisheries in Broome on 9193 8600 and the Department of Conservation and Land Management in Kununurra on 9168 4200.