FISHERIES Officers are appealing to the public for information about any illegal use of fishing nets in local waterways after two platypuses were found dead in illegal fishing traps in Gippsland.
The deaths have reignited calls for stronger awareness and enforcement, as these unique creatures face mounting pressures in their fragile habitats.
In the first incident, a platypus was discovered drowned in an enclosed crab pot set in the Tarra River near Yarram. Shortly after, a fish researcher found remains of a platypus in an old opera house yabby trap that had been left in Hazel Creek near Nilma. Both traps were found by members of the public.
Director of the Australian Platypus Conservancy, Geoff Williams, said that these deaths were highly disturbing as use of enclosed yabbying and fishing nets, including opera house traps, has been totally banned in Victoria since mid-2019.
“It is of great concern that some people still seem to have not got the message,” noted Geoff.
“All platypus populations in Gippsland are officially considered Vulnerable. Any deaths in traps can potentially threaten the survival of the species in some waterways.”
Based on anecdotal reports collected by the Conservancy, West Gippsland appears to be one of the worst “hot-spots” for illegal trap usage and platypus deaths.
Significant fines can be imposed for illegal use or possession of traps, and a prison sentence may apply for killing native wildlife. The incidents are currently under investigation by Victorian Fisheries
Authority officers with officers increasing targeted patrols along Gippsland streams following the discovery in the Tarra River and Hazel Creek.
“Most fishers do the right thing when fishing for yabbies, by using drop nets that prevent platypus being trapped. Opera house nets are illegal in all Victorian public waters,” Victorian Fisheries Authority CEO Travis Dowling told the Sentinel-Times.
“We encourage people who see or suspect illegal fishing to call 13FISH (133474) to speak directly to a Fisheries Officer.”
It’s understood the deceased platypus from the Tarra River was delivered to Healesville Sanctuary for research purposes. All persons undertaking fishing or yabbying are reminded to check Victorian recreational fishing regulations to ensure that the equipment they are using is legal in Victoria in order to avoid both heavy penalties and the risk of potentially killing platypus and other aquatic wildlife.
Apart from the traditional technique of capturing yabbies by dangling a chunk of meat (tied to a length of string) in the water, various types of lift nets and open-top pyramid traps are permitted.
In addition, anglers must ensure that they follow all rules and never leave lines unattended – something that recently resulted in the death of a platypus hooked on an abandoned/unattended setline in Middle Creek.
