Anglers reminded about ray disposal

Amid reports of stingrays being found along the Geographe Bay coastline with their wings and tails cut off, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development has confirmed catching rays is legal but they must be disposed of correctly.

Busselton resident Margaret Poole last week found a stingray on the Busselton foreshore which had had both its wings cut off.

This follows a report of a ray being found near Dunsborough last year with its tail cut off.

DPIRD sustainability and biosecurity regional manager Russell Adams said the stingray found last week was a southern eagle ray, which was not the subject of specific protection.

However, he said the disposal of the ray was not acceptable, and he urged fishers to dispose of fish waste in an appropriate way.

“There is no evidence that this ray has been treated in a cruel manner,” he said.

“Removal of the wings is the method of processing of the catch.”

Anyone who finds rays in this manner is asked to report the incident to FishWatch on 1800 815 507.