New shark fishing rules introduced for Fremantle beaches

The Western Australian Government has introduced new rules to stop recreational shark fishing at Fremantle’s Port and Leighton beaches.

WA Fisheries Minister Don Punch has approved restrictions under the Fish Resources Management Act 1994 prohibiting the use of wire traces when recreational fishing within 800 metres of the shore at Port and Leighton beaches through to South Cottesloe.

Wire traces are primarily used to fish for sharks. Fishing for other species such as tailor, herring or whiting that does not involve the use of a wire trace will still be allowed at the beaches within the current fishing regulations.

City of Fremantle Mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge has welcomed the state government’s swift response to growing community concern about shark fishing at popular swimming beaches.

Mayor Fitzhardinge advises “we had a terrible fatal shark attack at Port Beach in November, and since then a lot of people have raised concerns with me about shark fishing at our beaches.

“In my view it’s absolutely crazy to throw blood and berley into the water to deliberately attract sharks to a place where people swim.”

57 year old Perth man Paul Millachip had been swimming about 30 metres offshore at Port Beach when he was fatally attacked by a shark in November 2021.

Fremantle Council has voted to start the process of amending their local law to ban shark fishing everywhere in the City of the Fremantle with Mayor Fitzhardinge adding “we’ll soon be going out for public comment on that proposal, and we look forward to hearing the views of beach users and recreational fishers.

“In the meantime, we welcome the state government’s move to stop shark fishing at Port and Leighton beaches and improve safety for swimmers, paddlers and surfers.” 

A Fish Habitat Protection Area is already in place for Cottesloe, with beach fishing for sharks prohibited in this area.

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development compliance officers will be ensuring fishers adhere to these new restrictions and existing prohibitions on the use of mammal or bird products, such as blood and offal, as berley when fishing for sharks.