WA plans to get tough on illegal fishing after the discovery of sharks with their fins cut off.
The West Australian government is considering tougher penalties in a bid to curb illegal and black market fishing.
This comes after numerous sharks were discovered with their fins cut off in the area near 80 Mile Beach, south of Broome, in March last year, a Department of Fisheries investigation found.
Charges have been laid against at least one person and will be heard in the Broome Magistrates Court next month.
"The harvesting of big numbers of sharks is a cause for concern and the photographic evidence I have seen relating to the alleged slaughter is disturbing," Fisheries Minister Norman Moore said.
"The government is assessing work done by a committee established by the previous fisheries minister which reviewed the (Fisheries Resource Management Act) FRMA.
"The committee's report recommends that consideration be given to implementing harsher penalties under the Act.
"The government is predisposed to implementing tougher penalties for criminal activities, including illegal fishing and black market operations."
The Department of Fisheries has declined to comment.
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