The City of Stirling is asking the community for feedback on a proposal to ban fishing in 16 lakes and wetlands across the local government area, with public consultation now open.
The proposal follows reports of fisher interactions with birdlife, with councillors voting to seek feedback on changes to local laws that would prohibit all forms of fishing at these sites.
Recfishwest opposes the proposed blanket ban and believes recreational fishing should be managed under State fisheries legislation, not through local government laws.
Click here to view Recfishwest’s Responsible Fishing Guidelines.
“Fisheries management requires specialist expertise and a consistent, statewide approach. If individual local governments start introducing their own fishing rules, it creates confusion, inconsistency and unnecessary barriers to wetting a line,” said Recfishwest Operations Lead Matt Gillett.
“Public spaces should be safe and accessible for everyone, and responsible fishers should continue to enjoy the social, physical and wellbeing benefits of fishing these local lakes.
“It’s especially important for young people, giving them a healthy outlet that gets them outdoors and off their screens.”
The proposed ban covers Herdsman Lake, Jackadder Lake, Lake Gwelup, Careniup Wetlands, Roselea Lake, Princeton Lakes, Talia Lake, and the lakes around Carine Regional Open Space.
It also includes Potenza Reserve, Stirling Civic Gardens, Dog Swamp Reserve, Shearwater Spoonbill Reserve, Cedric Grebe Reserve, Dianella Regional Open Space, Yokine Regional Open Space, and Lilac Shannon Reserve.
Where genuine community concerns arise about specific activities – such as fisher interactions with birds – Recfishwest supports solutions being developed through proper fisheries management frameworks that are targeted, evidence-based, consistent with State legislation, and do not unfairly impact legitimate fishing activities.
“Most fishers do the right thing and are respectful to the environment,” said Matt. “Anyone acting irresponsibly and outside the law should be dealt with using existing compliance options to address any illegal behavior, rather than by implementing blanket bans that penalise everyone.”
This is why it’s important that fishers have their say.
The benefits of fishing in local waterways
Freshwater fishing plays an important role in many Western Australian communities and, when managed properly, contributes positively to the health of local waterways and our local economies.
Recreational fishers are often some of the most observant users of lakes and rivers and can help identify environmental issues such as invasive species, pollution, algal blooms or fish kills.
In some cases, fishers play important roles in managing invasive species by removing pest fish such as carp or tilapia where they occur and help support programs that improve waterway health, habitat restoration and fish stocking.
“Unfortunately, there are increasing reports of recreational fishers – often kids – being confronted or verbally abused by locals in public places when all they want to do is legally wet a line and have fun with their mates outside,” added Matt.
Recfishwest will be making our own submission and will keep fishers informed of any updates.
