Two Western Australian men have been charged by police following a shocking protest where a large pile of shark heads and fish remains was dumped outside the electorate office of Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis.
Disgusting Pile of Remains Left as Protest
The incident occurred on Monday morning around 6:55am on Bussell Highway in Margaret River. Approximately 200 kilograms of shark heads and fish offal were allegedly deposited at the entrance to the minister's office. The act was a direct protest against the state government's impending ban on demersal fishing.
At the scene, a pair of overalls was also left behind with a handwritten message stating: "TO JACKIE FROM ALL FISHERS." The protest was quickly condemned by a government spokesperson as an "act of vandalism."
Charges Laid After Investigation
Bunbury detectives investigated the incident and subsequently charged two men via summons. A 36-year-old man and a 34-year-old man have been charged with depositing litter and trespass in relation to the protest.
During property searches in Carey Park and Busselton connected to the arrests, police allegedly found the men in possession of cannabis. This led to additional drug charges. The 34-year-old was also charged with two counts of unlawfully possessing a firearm, as his firearm licence had expired.
Both men are scheduled to appear in the Bunbury Magistrates Court on January 22. Police have indicated their investigation is ongoing and they are working to locate other individuals involved in the incident.
Background of the Controversial Fishing Ban
The protest targets the WA government's significant new fishing restrictions. The 21-month ban on catching demersal species, such as dhufish and pink snapper, applies to both recreational and commercial fishers along a vast 900km stretch of coast from Kalbarri to Augusta.
Commercial fishing in the zone is set to cease from January 1. Recreational fishing for these bottom-dwelling species will be prohibited until spring 2027.
The government defends the policy, stating it follows extensive consultation and is backed by a $29.2 million Fisheries Support Package to help the industry adapt. An advisory council is also being established to guide the reforms.
However, the move has sparked anger within the fishing community. Bunbury fisher Mason Jones told the ABC he helped organise the protest, stating it was to show Minister Jarvis how she had "ended the many careers of fisherman and small businesses."
