The City of Cockburn's response to PerthNow Cockburn about shark fishing
Question: Is there a financial penalty if caught shark fishing?
Answer: A person may receive a financial penalty from the Department of Fisheries if they have been found breaking state fishing laws.
The City may also prosecute someone if they are found to be using a prohibited fishing method, regardless of the fish species they are trying to catch. The penalty for this is an $80 infringement or a court imposed penalty of up to $5,000.
Question: If so, who enforces it?
Answer: Please see above.
Question: Are there any other penalties the City can enforce for shark fishing?
Answer: Please see above.
The City is currently preparing a future report to Council on possible changes to our Local Law, looking at increasing the protection of sharks and our beach goers.
This local law review will be dependent on proposed state legislation changes. Accordingly, Council at its February ordinary meeting endorsed the City write to the Department of Fisheries minister seeking an update on any state legislation.
The City does not ban shark fishing within its Local Laws.
Our Local Laws only prohibit some methods of fishing that attract sharks to shore or jetties. Prohibited fishing practices under City of Cockburn Local Laws include the use of set or buoyed lines or by using blood or any other lure for the purpose of attracting sharks.
Laws relating to shark fishing are overseen by the Department of Fisheries through State legislation.
The Department of Fisheries does have a number of state-wide restrictions in place. We recommend you contact this Department for further context.