Cockburn Council Seeks Public Input on Proposed Fishing Ban at Artificial Reef
The City of Cockburn has initiated a public consultation process regarding a proposed fishing prohibition at the engineered fringing reef located off C.Y. O'Connor Beach in North Coogee. This move follows the State Government's recent implementation of an 18-month demersal fishing ban along a significant stretch of Western Australia's coastline, which previously sparked discontent among recreational fishers.
Safety and Sustainability Drive the Proposal
The proposal, initially championed by Councillor Phoebe Corke last year, stems from apprehensions that increased fishing activity at the reef could elevate risks for snorkellers and divers. Cr Corke expressed concerns that fishing might attract sharks to the area, which has become a favoured destination for marine enthusiasts and educational groups.
Dan Arndt, the City of Cockburn's Director of Sustainable Development and Safety, emphasised that the primary motivations behind the suggested no-fishing zone are safety and environmental sustainability. "Some concern is around fears of negative interactions between snorkellers, divers and spearfishers, but there is also the potential for the raised perception and actual risk of shark attraction linked to blood and burley in the water," Mr Arndt stated.
Reef's Ecological Significance and Precedents
The artificial reef, constructed from 270 concrete bombora modules situated approximately 100 metres offshore, has developed into a thriving marine habitat. A recent fish survey identified 68 distinct species at the site, marking a substantial 134 per cent increase in biodiversity since the reef's installation. This ecological success contributed to the reef receiving both State and national awards last year.
The proposed ban would align with existing regulations at the nearby Coogee Maritime Trail and Omeo wreck, where a no-fishing zone has been enforced since September 2017. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development previously sanctioned that prohibition on similar grounds, ensuring visitor protection from fishing-related hazards.
Community Consultation and Opposition
Public feedback on the proposal will be collected through the City's Comment on Cockburn website from February 2 until 4pm on March 3. The information gathered will undergo review by the council, which will subsequently determine whether to formally request Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis and DPIRD to establish the no-fishing zone.
However, the proposition faces likely opposition from fishing advocacy groups. Recfishwest and the WA Fishing Industry Council have previously argued that fishers and other water users can coexist harmoniously, citing the Ammo Jetty in Cockburn Sound as a successful example. "There is no reason why fishers and other water users can't peacefully co-exist, which is the norm along our coastline," a Recfishwest spokesperson remarked.
Matthew Johnson, President of the WA Undersea Club, highlighted the reef's unique value for amateur spearfishers, describing it as an ideal entry-level location that should be supported rather than restricted.
Broader Context and Implications
This local initiative occurs against the backdrop of wider fishing restrictions in Western Australia, reflecting ongoing tensions between recreational activities, conservation efforts, and public safety. The outcome of the consultation could influence future management strategies for artificial reefs and marine protected areas across the region.
