“Foreign material, when dumped at sea, can cause significant damage to fragile sea beds and native sea grasses, which ultimately risks disturbing the natural habitat of our fish stocks and other marine creatures,” the minister said.

Fisheries regional manager Andrew Carr said the upper Spencer Gulf is renowned for “artificial reefs” and he has witnessed whole cars being dragged up in nets, as well as barges loaded with washing machines and dumped to create private ‘drops’ for local fishers.

“It’s a real hazard to boaters and trawlers whose nets and anchors can get caught on the debris, and contributes to the pressure on local fish stocks,” Andrew said. “I’ve known some whiting fishing drops that are actually referred to as ‘washing machines’ and we’ve seen carbodies tied together and dumped in the water, leaking oil and grease.

“It’s a practice we want to put a halt to – and we’re calling on the locals to help us.”

Fines of up to $10,000 apply to operators caught carrying foreign materials aboard boats and refusing to offload on land.

“If you see anything suspicious, please contact Fishwatch on 1800 065 522,” Andrew said.”