‘TRAGIC’ SAWFISH POACHING INVESTIGATED

Critically endanged Saw Fish, Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons.

Authorities are investigating the illegal fishing and mutilation of four critically endangered sawfish discovered by a creek between Karatha and Roebourne in the Pilbara on Friday morning. 

The dead swordfish were discovered at the Cleaverville Boat Ramp, having had their rostrums removed and their bodies left on the banks of the estuary. 

The killing or possession of sawfish has a $5,000 penalty per fish. 

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Supervising Fisheries and Marine Officer Michael Dunn called the theft “tragic”. 

“They’re under so much pressure, environmentally, and for someone to just come along and take the rostrums off and leave the frames up on the mud is just terrible,” he said.

Listen to the full interview below.