Late last year, WA Fisheries checked out a number of recreational fishermen using haul and set nets on inland waters, and found a few gill nets with undersized mesh, despite their owners thinking their nets were compliant. The problem was tracked down to the way that net mesh size is measured. WA Fisheries measure the aperture size or the opening (see below), while manufacturers, net makers and distributors typically use the stretched distance between the middle of two adjacent knots.
This means some commonly used net sizes supplied by manufacturers are technically illegal, because of the small discrepancy between knot to knot length as opposed to the aperture size.
This is particularly relevant for the two smallest allowable mesh sizes of the standard 2″and 2 ½”mesh for coastal and inland waters respectively, since the manufacturers’ nets have aperture sizes of 48.8mm and 61.5mm, which is well below the 51mm and 63mm required in WA Fisheries regulations.
To get over this issue Crackpots now imports and supplies 2 1/8″ and 2 9/16″mesh nets, which have apertures just a tad over the legal minimum size and meet WA Fisheries regulations. Just to complicate matters further, it’s worth remembering that over time the mesh size will tend to shrink a little, so it’s worth checking to see if your nets are compliant.
Why Gill Net Mesh Size Compliance Matters in WA
Getting your gill net mesh size wrong is not just a technicality, it can result in fines and gear confiscation. WA Fisheries actively checks recreational fishermen on both coastal and inland waters, and non-compliant nets are being caught more frequently. The gap between what manufacturers label and what WA law actually requires is small but significant, and many fishermen are unaware of it until it is too late.
How to Make Sure Your Gill Net Meets WA Fisheries Standards
The simplest way to stay compliant is to buy nets specifically sized to meet WA aperture requirements rather than relying on standard manufacturer labels. Crackpots supplies 2 1/8″ and 2 9/16″ mesh nets that are verified to meet WA Fisheries regulations. It is also worth re-checking your nets regularly, as mesh naturally shrinks over time with use and sun exposure, which can push a previously compliant net below the legal minimum.
FAQs:
What is the legal mesh size for gill nets in Western Australia?
Coastal waters require a minimum aperture of 51mm (2″), and inland waters 63mm (2½″). This is measured as the actual mesh opening, not the knot-to-knot distance used by manufacturers.
Why are some gill nets sold by manufacturers technically illegal in WA?
Manufacturers measure knot-to-knot distance, which is slightly larger than the actual aperture. So nets labelled 2″ or 2½″ often have apertures of 48.8mm and 61.5mm, both below WA legal minimums.
How do I check if my gill net is legal in WA?
Measure the open space inside the mesh, not between the knots. Standard 2″ or 2½″ manufacturer-labelled nets often fail WA Fisheries’ aperture requirement. If unsure, replace with a compliant size.
Do gill nets shrink over time and affect compliance?
Yes. Regular use and sun exposure can shrink mesh size enough to push a borderline-compliant net below the legal minimum. Re-measure your nets periodically.
What gill net sizes does Crackpots supply that are legal in WA?
Crackpots stocks 2 1/8″ and 2 9/16″ mesh nets, both with apertures just above WA legal minimums for coastal and inland waters.