Fremantle shark fishing ban in force from next week

A new local law that bans fishing for sharks within the City of Fremantle will come into force next week.

The shark fishing ban is a public safety measure in response to growing community concern about shark fishing at popular beaches, including the practice of putting blood and berley into the water to attract sharks to where people swim.

The new law prohibits fishing for sharks by means of a fishing line that contains any metal wire or chain within one metre of any hook.

It also prohibits fishing for sharks using blood or berley as a lure, and with the use of a spear gun or similar device.

The penalty for undertaking illegal fishing activities is $500.

Fremantle Mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge said there was clear support for the shark fishing ban among the local community.

“The tragic fatal shark attack at Port Beach in November, plus the confronting video footage of a shark being dragged onto the beach that emerged shortly afterwards, certainly raised public awareness of the reckless practice of fishing for sharks at popular swimming beaches,” Mayor Fitzhardinge said.

“We received a total of 120 submissions as part of our community consultation on this proposal and more than 70 per cent were in favour of the shark fishing ban.

“Among locals the support for the ban was even greater, with 92 per cent of submissions in favour.

“In my view it’s absolutely crazy to throw blood and berley into the water to deliberately attract sharks to a place where people swim.

“This ban on shark fishing will help to create a safer environment for swimmers and other beach users.”

Last month Fremantle Council voted to amend the City of Fremantle Local Government Property Local Law to provide additional controls and management of shark fishing.

That amendment was published in the WA Government Gazette on 7 June, meaning the shark fishing ban will come into operation on Tuesday 21 June.  

The ban complements new rules introduced by the state government in February to stop recreational shark fishing at Port and Leighton beaches.

The restrictions introduced under the Fish Resources Management Act 1994 prohibit the use of wire traces when recreational fishing within 800 metres of the shore at Port and Leighton beaches through to South Cottesloe.

The City of Cockburn and the Town of Cottesloe already have local laws in place banning fishing for sharks.