Prohibited shark fishing practices
Fishing practices which attract large sharks that could pose a risk to human health are prohibited in Cockburn, under the City of Cockburn (Local Government Act) Local laws 2000.
The practice of fishing for sharks by use of set or buoyed lines or by using blood or any other lure for the purpose of attracting sharks, is prohibited at local reserves, foreshores and beaches - including Ammunition Jetty.
As is the law for all of Western Australia, the use of berley containing mammal or bird product cannot be used in the City of Cockburn, including from boats, jetties or the shore. Mammal or bird products means blood, flesh, offal or skin.
The City’s laws were motivated by concern for the safety of all beach users, including Coogee Beach Surf Life Saving members who utilise waters 500m north of Ammunition Jetty.
The City receives regular complaints from concerned beach users who have witnessed people fishing for large sharks from Ammunition Jetty, including with buoyed lines using balloons, and baiting with blood and berley products.
The law is designed to:
- Prevent the attraction of large sharks that could pose a danger to humans recreating along Cockburn’s coast, particularly at popular swimming areas
- Prevent cruelty to sharks
- Reduce the creation of litter caused by balloons used on lines to bait large sharks, as the rubber is commonly ingested by other marine life, causing discomfort and ultimately death.
Shark fishing information is available on page 21, Section III, Division 2 (Prohibited Areas and Activities), point 3.3, of the Consolidated Local Laws 2000 document below.