Shark fishing is set to be banned from all beaches south of Mandurah to north of Perth amid safety concerns.
Fisheries Minister Don Punch has approved restrictions to prohibit the use of wire trace, which is essential to land sharks, within 800 metres of the shore at all Perth metropolitan beaches.
The new restrictions under the Fish Resources Management Act 1994 will come into effect on November 3, 2023 for all Perth metropolitan beaches - from Tim's Thicket Beach (south of Mandurah) to 5kms north of Two Rocks Marina, including the Swan Canning Estuary.
The State Government hopes the new rule will stop sharks from being attracted close to popular swimming beaches.
"Fishing for large sharks from metropolitan swimming beaches is simply incompatible with community values and community safety," Fisheries Minister Don Punch said.
"This reform is simple, effective, easy to understand and most importantly puts community safety first.
"I recognise a small number of recreational fishers prefer to use wire trace for beach fishing for species such as Tailor. I am satisfied with the availability of alternatives so I would encourage anyone affected to visit their local tackle store to chat about the variety of substitutes on offer."
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development compliance officers will be ensuring fishers adhere to the new wire trace restrictions, and existing bans on the use of burley comprising mammal or bird products, such as blood and offal.
Regional locations will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Anyone who observes suspicious fishing activity in Western Australian waters can report this to FishWatch 1800 815 507 or through an online form on Crimestoppers.
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