News & Alerts

Recreational line fishing from the jetties, without the use of wire trace, is not impacted and people will still be able fish for popular angling species like herring and squid which are highly sought after at these locations.

The move follows formal requests from the Shire of Esperance and City of Busselton to address community concerns over shark fishing activities at the popular town jetties.

The ban does not apply to any other jetty or beach locations in the Esperance or Busselton local government areas.

DPIRD principal fisheries management officer Clinton Syers said the department had been working closely with City of Busselton and Shire of Esperance to address community concerns about fishing for sharks from jetty areas which are also popular diving and swimming areas for locals and tourists.

“Extending the ban on the use of wire trace fishing gear ensures we have a consistent approach to the rules, education and enforcement across the State,” he said.

The wire trace restrictions were first introduced in February 2022 for the area from Port Beach to South Cottesloe. In October last year, the ban was extended to include all metropolitan beaches from Tim’s Thicket south of Mandurah to Two Rocks north, including the Swan Canning Estuary.

Mr Syers said DPIRD fisheries and marine officers had been ensuring fishers adhered to the new wire trace restrictions and existing bans on the use of burley comprising mammal or bird products, such as blood and offal.

“Recreational fishers have been displaying responsible fishing behaviours and I encourage everyone to keep using their common sense and stick to the fishing rules,” he said.

“Further information on the fishing rules and on the wire trace ban can be found on the department’s website or by talking to your local fisheries officer.”

Anyone who observes suspicious fishing activity in Western Australian waters can report this to FishWatch 1800 815 507 or through an online form on Crimestoppers.

It is also important for anyone who sees a shark to report it immediately to Water Police on 9442 8600.

Note: A wire trace is a length of metal wire or chain rigged to a fishing line and is primarily used when targeting sharks in southern waters of the State.