Local Council Fishing Rules a Statewide Concern

The Town of Cottesloe are currently seeking feedback on a proposal to prohibit the use of wire trace along the coastline over which it governs. This would cover almost 4km of coast.

Recfishwest have identified three major concerns with this proposal:

1. This proposed ban will impact people fishing for tailor and mackerel, who in some cases employ the use of wire traces to prevent being bitten off by such fish. This will essentially prohibit fishing for such species. Legislation that attempts to solve one issue, but creates another is generally poor public policy.

2. We note the Town of Cottesloe’s proposal extends 800m out to sea which appears a long way outside their boundary and thus jurisdiction. We see no reason why the council should preside over what you do or do not do when out fishing in your boat.

3. There are 137 local governments in Western Australia. Having a local Government prohibit specific fishing gear sets a concerning precedent for other councils to amend fishing rules within their own jurisdiction. Imagine how confusing fishing could become if each of the state’s 137 Local Government Authorities decided to alter the rules governing fishing within their boundaries.

Recfishwest oppose this proposal.

If you feel strongly about this like we do, we encourage you to write in a submission to the Town of Cottesloe voicing your concern over the proposed amendment and how it will potentially affect your future fishing experiences.

Written submissions on the proposed amended local laws may be made prior to 4.00pm on Monday, 13 May 2019 and should be sent to council@cottesloe.wa.gov.au or PO Box 606, Cottesloe WA 6911. Please note, submissions without a residential address will not be accepted. We encourage fishers to also send a copy of their submission to Recfishwest at info@recfishwest.org.au

For further info, visit the Town of Cottesloe’s website here.

To view Recfishwests statement on Local Laws click here.

To view Recfishwests statement on the banning of wire trace within the City of Cottesloe click here.

Continue Reading

May 30, 2023

Spotting sharks on your sounder to help reduce bite-offs

“The taxman”, “the men in grey suits” or just plain old “bloody sharks.” Whatever you call them, sharks biting off your prized catch as you bring it into the boat can be the bane of many fishers’ fishing trips…

Read More

May 05, 2023

West coast demersal $10m support package – a golden opportunity to support better decisions that cannot be missed

As the dust settles on the new fishing rules for west coast demersals, Recfishwest says the Government has got to get right the way $10 million of public money is spent on supporting the fishery. The Government…

Read More

May 05, 2023

Scott’s south coast gems

The south coast is a delightful part of the world, especially at this time of year. Autumn truly is the time to enjoy everything it has to offer, with the best weather of the year featuring still, warm day days and…

Read More

May 05, 2023

Jurien Bay FADs fire up, bringing great new fishing options to the Mid-West

The sportfishing action in Jurien Bay has cranked up since the deployment of four FADs off the coastline!  It is great to see fishers reap the benefits of catches from FADs across WA, with Recfishwest and local…

Read More

May 04, 2023

A tale of two jetties

All too often, we see prized fishing jetties desperately needing TLC and restoration abandoned, left to rot or demolished as the red tape around who is responsible in managing and maintaining them puts them in the…

Read More

May 04, 2023

Partners playing a huge role in helping us make fishing better in WA

Outside of our core funding contribution from recreational fishing licence fees via DPIRD, a growing range of valued partners are helping us do more for West Aussie fishers in 2023. Without additional support for…

Read More