UPDATE 31 July: The City of Cockburn has asked the State Government to ban fishing around the erosion reef at C.Y. O’Connor Beach in Cockburn Sound.
Recfishwest has been working with the City on this issue since late 2025, advocating for shared-use solutions that allow fishers, divers and other beach users to safely enjoy the reef together. We believe artificial reefs should bring communities together, not exclude one group without clear evidence.
While the proposal applies to a single location, it also has the potential to set a precedent for other local governments considering similar restrictions on fishing.
We have written to Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis asking her to reject the City’s request for a no-fishing zone as there is no compelling evidence to justify it. We also reaffirmed our commitment to working with all stakeholders on practical solutions that protect both public access and community safety.
Recfishwest will continue advocating for evidence-based decisions that protect fishing access while supporting safe, shared use of WA’s coastal spaces.
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Recfishwest strongly opposes a proposal by the City of Cockburn to seek a 50-metre no-fishing zone around the erosion reef at C.Y. O’Connor Beach.
The City has cited swimmer safety, shark attraction and protection of fish stocks as reasons for the proposed exclusion.
Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland said while coastal protection projects deserve support, banning responsible recreational fishing without clear evidence of a problem is not justified.
“We support erosion reefs that protect our coastline and create habitat. What we do not support is locking fishers out of public infrastructure without clear, evidence-based justification,” Dr Rowland said.
“This reef was built for erosion control – not as a sanctuary, and not as an exclusive-use facility.”
A risky precedent for WA’s coastline
The City has acknowledged that fishing regulation ultimately sits at a State level through the Minister for Fisheries – an important recognition.
Fishing is already excluded at the nearby Coogee Maritime Trail, which was specifically designed as a snorkelling and diving attraction. In contrast, the C.Y. O’Connor reef was constructed as a coastal protection structure.
Andrew said introducing a fishing ban at an erosion reef – without compelling evidence – risks setting an unnecessary precedent for similar projects across Western Australia.
“As erosion reefs become more common to protect our coastline, maintaining broad community support will be essential. These projects should bring communities together around healthy habitat and coastal protection.
“Public coastal infrastructure should enhance shared access wherever possible – not restrict responsible, low-impact use.
No evidence of a real problem
“Artificial reefs are designed to attract marine life. The presence of fish – and occasionally sharks – is evidence the reef is functioning as a productive marine ecosystem.”
There is no credible scientific evidence that recreational fishing at this site increases shark risk beyond what exists at other mixed-use coastal locations across WA.
Likewise, there is no evidence that banning fishing at this relatively small erosion reef would meaningfully improve fish stocks.
Recfishwest is also unaware of any demonstrated conflict at the site beyond what occurs at many shared coastal spaces across the State.
“Exclusion should only occur where there is a clear and demonstrated need,” Andrew said.
“That threshold has not been met.”
Have your say
Recfishwest is encouraging fishers and community members who value fair and inclusive coastal access to provide feedback.
Submissions to the City of Cockburn close 4pm, Sunday 22 March 2026.
Feedback can be provided by:
• Completing the online survey via the City’s website
• Emailing: comment@cockburn.wa.gov.au
Recfishwest has lodged a formal submission outlining its opposition to the proposed exclusion zone and calling for balanced, evidence-based decision-making that protects both coastal infrastructure and community access.
