Trial proposed for swimming with seals off Western Australian coastline

A trial has been proposed at Western Australia’s Shoalwater Islands and Jurien Bay marine parks this summer where swimmers could interact with Australian sea lions in their own environment. However, the Western Australian Government wants to ensure these interactions are safely managed.

Seals are protected in WA, with the public being required to keep a minimum distance of 50 metres away in the water, 100 metres in a vessel and 10 metres on land.

Western Australians can now have their say on how humans interact with seals.

The draft management program aims to protect the animals and manage their natural curiosity safely and ethically. If the trial is successful, it will transition to a licensed industry like Ningaloo's humpback and whale shark swim tours.

Licence fees from participating tourism operators would be reinvested by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions into research and conservation management.

WA Environment Minister Reece Whitby notes "Seals are incredibly intelligent and curious creatures, and a familiar sight along our coastline.

"Imagine interacting with seals in their own environment while playing a part in safeguarding their protection.

"We need to make sure safety is a priority for both swimmers and seals, while making WA a unique destination for magical wildlife experiences."

WA Tourism Minister Roger Cook adds "this is a great tourism opportunity that builds on other nature-based experiences around WA such as swimming with whale sharks, humpbacks and manta rays off Ningaloo.

"It will also create jobs in Rockingham and Jurien Bay, and further strengthen WA's reputation as a destination of choice for best practice wildlife encounters.

"This is a terrific fit with our new 'Walking On A Dream' tourism campaign which has been so well received across WA and on the east coast of Australia."

The public can have a say until 15th November by visiting www.dbca.wa.gov.au/have-your-say-on-interactions-seals-western-australia

Image: Penguin Island is situated in the spectacular Shoalwater Islands Marine Park.