The City of Cockburn welcomes the State Government’s ban of wire trace fishing lines on metropolitan shores, which will prevent shark baiting at local beaches.
The ban was announced this morning at Coogee Beach by the Honourable Don Punch, Minister for Fisheries, following months of advocacy by the City in response to concerns about swimmer safety.
City of Cockburn Mayor, Logan Howlett said he was pleased to see the Department take firm action ahead of the summer months.
“Swimmer safety is a priority over summer when thousands of residents and visitors flock to our beaches,” Mayor Howlett said.
“This ban sends a clear message that fishing for sharks from the shore is unacceptable and strengthens legislation that is needed to police offenders.”
“Cockburn is home to a pristine stretch of coastline, including the popular and award-winning Coogee Maritime Trail. We want everyone to enjoy our beaches safely.
“I also want to acknowledge that Cockburn has an active community of anglers who do the right thing and fish responsibly,” Mayor Howlett said.
The City will now work with the State Government to educate the community about what kinds of fishing are and aren’t allowed on local beaches and how residents can report breaches of the ban.
“I would encourage anyone who sees an angler attempting to use blood as a bait or using a wire trace line from the shore to call the State Government’s Fish Watch hotline on 1800 815 507 and make a report,” Mayor Howlett said.
In May this year, the City of Cockburn urged the Minister to commit to a 12-month intensive patrol program along the coast to deter shark fishing.
Read the State Governments Media Release.
Caption: l-r City of Cockburn CEO Daniel Simms, DPIRD Fisheries and Marine Officer Paul Bennetts, Cockburn MLA David Scaife, City of Cockburn Mayor Logan Howlett, Fisheries Minister Don Punch, DPIRD Principal Fisheries Management Officer Clinton Syers and DPIRD Fisheries and Marine Officer Lauren Sturgeon.