Illegal fishing crackdown call after three dead platypus found in Little River, Yarra Junction

Yarra Ranges locals are pushing for increased patrols to catch illegal fishing after three dead platypus were found caught in nets.

Two adult male platypuses were found dead inside an illegal fishing trap in the Little River at Yarra Junction on July 11. Picture: Supplied.

Yarra Ranges animal lovers are demanding increased patrols along local waterways to catch people illegally fishing after three dead platypus were found caught in nets.

Two adult male platypuses were found dead inside an illegal fishing trap in the Little River at Yarra Junction on July 11 and another platypus was found dead in a fishing net in May near Warburton.

A Yarra Ranges council spokeswoman said the Yarra Junction incident was referred to the conservation regulator for investigation.

“A Yarra Ranges Council staff member found two dead platypuses, caught in illegal fishing nets in Yarra Junction,” she said.

“These nets can indiscriminately kill wildlife, such as platypuses, and it’s extremely disappointing that people continue to do the wrong thing, almost 10 years after the ban came into effect.

“Anyone fishing in Victorian rivers or streams must comply with laws about equipment, such as the ban on enclosed fishing nets, such as opera house nets.”

Locals were shocked by the platypuses deaths. Picture: Nat Bromhead

Local resident Matt said he was “horrified” by the platypuses deaths.

“I don’t know what type of person would want to do this, but it is just awful for our animals,” he said.

“It needs to be stopped.”

Matt, who frequently walks around the Little River area, said there needed to be more patrols to stop illegal fishing.

“They need to be caught, not only to save our animals, but to send a message that no illegal traps like these should be placed in any of our waterways,” he said.

The VFA confirmed fisheries officers will continue to patrol the upper Yarra River.

However, increased patrols may be a tough ask after the VFA announced in May it would cut 44 per cent of all full-time fisheries officers, leaving just 39 employees to monitor the state’s waterways.

A petition to stop the cuts has been signed by more than 18,250 people.

“These cuts to both resources and frontline fisheries officers will inevitably compromise the State’s ability to enforce fishing regulations and protect its iconic marine life from criminals,” the petition read.

Animal Justice Party MP Georgie Purcell said platypuses were on the brink of becoming endangered in Victoria.

“They are already under threat from habitat loss, climate change and pollution, the absolute last thing they need is illegal fishermen killing them too,” she said.

“Incidents like this highlight exactly why it’s so vital that organisations have compliance officers in place.

“Destruction of our protected wildlife and sea life will only become more frequent with Jacinta Allan’s cuts to fishing compliance.”

A Conservation Regulator spokesman said the regulator was seeking information from the public about the platypuses deaths.

Anyone with information relating to this incident, or any incident of wildlife cruelty,

is urged to contact Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au.