Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development to ban shark fishing around Busselton Jetty

Shark fishing is all but set to be banned around the Busselton Jetty from next week after a State Government decision. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development had announced the use of wire trace fishing gear, which is mainly used by those seeking to catch sharks, will be banned within 400m of the city’s iconic landmark from Tuesday. The ban will also apply to those looking to fish up to 800m off the coast between the Georgette Street boat ramp and the Vasse diversion drain. It comes after the City of Busselton voted in April requesting DPIRD to make the move following a number of shark carcasses found in the area. A consultation period held by the council in March found 75.3 per cent of respondents supported the ban. A ban was initially introduced in February 2022 along the coast between North Fremantle and South Cottesloe, before it was extended to all beaches within the Perth metropolitan area in October last year. Shark fishing will remain legal in all other locations within the City of Busselton. DPIRD principal fisheries management officer Clinton Syers said it had worked closely with the council to address community concerns. “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. “Recreational fishers (in Perth) have been displaying responsible fishing behaviours and I encourage everyone to keep using their common sense and stick to the fishing rules. Mr Syers encouraged those wanting more information on the ban to visit the department’s website or speak to fisheries officers. The Busselton Jetty ban will come into force at the same time as another around the Esperance Jetty next week.