People visiting the Coogee Maritime Trail and Omeo wreck are reminded that fishing and power boating is prohibited under state law to protect users and the environment.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (Fisheries) declared the area a no fishing zone in September 2017.
The Department of Transport subsequently declared the waters around the trail closed to motorised vessels in 2019. Power boats are prohibited both at the trail and within 100m of the shore along Coogee Beach down to Coogee Jetty.
People using unpowered craft, such as Stand Up Paddleboards and kayaks, must watch out for and give way to swimmers and divers in the water.
The restricted areas around the trail are marked by large yellow floating buoys with signage.
City of Cockburn Acting Parks & Environment Manager Chris Beaton said fishing, spearfishing and powered boats were prohibited for public safety reasons and to preserve the sea life that increasingly calls the dive trail and its 60-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.”
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 act as an additional warning against boats entering the area.
“As part of obtaining skippers ticket qualifications, all skippers are required to recognise the distinctive blue and white dive flag,” he said.
“Following recent incidents of boating and fishing within these restricted areas, people are reminded to please observe the rules and signage on site, for everyone’s safety.
“If you do see people doing the wrong thing please report it.”
Boating issues:
- Call DoT’s Marine and Coastal section on 13 11 56
- Lodge a DoT online marine incident, hazard or non-compliance issue report or (taking care to note down any boat registration details)
- Call the Water Police on 9442 8600.
Illegal fishing activities:
- Call FishWatch (DPIRD/Fisheries) on 1800 815 507.
More information about boating rules in southern marine waters is available from the
Department of Transport.
Visit the City’s
website for more information about Coogee Maritime Trail.