People visiting the Coogee Maritime Dive Trail and Omeo wreck are reminded that the area is a no fishing zone and boating is prohibited within 100m of the shore.
City of Cockburn Environment Manager Chris Beaton said the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (Fisheries) declared the area a no fishing zone in September 2017 to complement the Department of Transport (DoT) boating restriction which was already in place.
Fishing, spearfishing and boating in the immediate area are prohibited for public safety reasons and to preserve the sea life that increasingly call the dive trail and its 30-plus artificial reef structures home.
“The trail is popular with swimmers and divers of all ages and abilities as it provides the shallowest and most easily accessible shipwreck in the Perth metropolitan area, being just 25m from shore in waters averaging 2-5m,” Mr Beaton said.
“The dangers that fishing, spearfishing and boating in the area pose to vulnerable users are obvious, which is why the State Government declared the boating and fishing prohibitions.
“Unfortunately, we receive regular complaints from people who see others boating, fishing and spearfishing in the area, which is both dangerous and illegal.
“If you do see people doing the wrong thing please report it to the DoT’s Marine Safety Hotline on 13 11 56, taking care to note down any boat registration details, or FishWatch on 1800 815 507.”
Anyone who breaches the no fishing zone risks a fine of up to $5,000, plus an additional mandatory penalty equal to 10 times the value of the fish subject to the offence.
Mr Beaton said a dive flag was positioned in the dive trail area to prevent boat entry.
“As part of obtaining skippers ticket qualifications, all skippers are required to recognise the distinctive blue and white dive flag.
“The DoT recommends where possible skippers maintain a distance of more than 100m from a vessel or buoy displaying a dive flag,” he said.
The City hoped the DoT would eventually declare the entire area closed to all vessels.
Visit the
Department of Transport for boating rules in south metropolitan marine waters.
Visit the City's
Coogee Maritime Trail information page to learn more about this popular attraction.