A platypus recently killed in Moondarra State Park north of Tyers by an illegal net has prompted a Department of Environment and Primary Industries warning.
DEPI warned it was illegal to use opera house nets in public waterways and said the platypus’ injuries were caused by a homemade opera house-style net.
Wildlife management and compliance team leader Charlie Franken said DEPI staff were “devastated” to find it was a young female platypus in the “prime of her life”.
“What is particularly concerning is that many of the nets and platypus deaths go unreported and therefore unnoticed, so we are grateful to the person who let us know about this incident,” Mr Franken said.
“In Victoria, opera house nets may only be used in private waters such as farm dams. People can still catch yabbies or freshwater crayfish with hoop nets, which are far safer for platypus.”
Mr Franken said the penalty for being caught with an opera house net near inland waters was $289, but the maximum fine was $1443.
“Under the Wildlife Act 1975, the maximum penalty for destroying a platypus is $7218 and or six months imprisonment, plus an additional penalty of $721 for each specimen killed,” Mr Franken said.
Members of the public are encouraged to report the illegal use of opera house nets by phoning DEPI on 136 186.
