Shark fishing to be banned from all metropolitan Perth beaches

Shark fishing will be banned from all Perth beaches from next week after community pressure to ban the bloody practise which brings the predators close to the shore. Fisheries Minister Don Punch announced new restrictions, set to take effect from November 3, that ban shark fishing from within 800 metres from the shore between Mandurah and Two Rocks. The ban follows localised restrictions put in place by councils and also includes the Swan and Canning estuaries. Two people have been killed in shark attacks at beaches around Fremantle in the last three years, including a bull shark attack that claimed the life of 16-year-old Stella Berry who was swimming in the Swan River. The restrictions prohibit wire traces as part of fishing gear, with sharks able to bite through other gear. “It’s my view that shark fishing and the bringing up of large sharks such as tiger sharks onto Perth beaches is dangerous and is not something that is compatible with swimming and family usage of beaches,” Mr Punch said. “When we see a shark in close proximity to a beach, we issue shark alerts, we ask people to leave the water. It is not sensible to have fishers to then bring sharks in from offshore into a beach environment and then release them.” Mr Punch said the regulations did not extend along the entire WA coast because a State-wide ban was not practical and shark fishing in isolated areas was not a danger to the public. But the minister said he was open to speaking with regional local governments who wanted similar regulations introduced at their popular swimming beaches. Mr Punch said the regulations were simple and called on councils to rescind local laws to avoid confusion for fishers. “This reform is simple, effective, easy to understand and most importantly puts community safety first,” he said. “I was increasingly concerned that individual local governments were creating their own recreational fishing regimes which were inconsistent with State Government fisheries policies and confusing for recreational fishers to follow. “There is now absolutely no need for any local government to attempt to regulate this space and I call on local governments to rescind their local laws aimed at doing so.” Activists opposed to shark fishing have faced threats and intimidation from fishers, including one who had her named carved into the carcass of a dead shark. Mr Punch said there may be one or two people who did the wrong thing, but expected most to be “sensible”. Infringements will range from $50 to $400, but repeat offenders who are prosecuted could face fines of up to $5000. Existing bans on the use of burley made of blood and animal products remains in place. Suspicious fishing activity can be reported to FishWatch on 1800 815 507.