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.