THE catching of native fish in Perth lakes and wetlands has been suspended after more than 10 long-necked tortoises drowned in Department of Fisheries’ nets at Lake Goollelal last month.
Department of Fisheries principal research scientist Craig Lawrence said the nets were placed to survey the populations of threatened native fish.
“I am saddened and sorry that our recent research work, to check on freshwater fish species at Lake Goollelal, has resulted in the deaths of a number of tortoises,” he said.
“Similar nets to the ones which caused the deaths of the tortoises are used by university and government researchers in WA, Australia and internationally.”
Dr Lawrence said the department was investigating ways to modify the nets to ensure no more tortoises are harmed and the native fish surveys can recommence.
“This testing will be conducted with the involvement of independent tortoise experts,” he said.
Greenwood resident Gary Tate said it was distresssing to see a Fisheries Department officer removing dead tortoises from the nets.
“I had a meeting with people from the Department of Environment and Conservation on January 27 to talk about trapping foxes to protect tortoises, and then two days later I was dumbfounded to see another government department responsible for the deaths of all those tortoises,” he said.
“I’m glad they have stopped using the nets. It’s a good outcome.”
The DEC is conducting an investigation into the incident.