Shark fishing off the Busselton Jetty consultation

The City of Busselton has received an increase in reported feedback and concerns from community members about shark fishing off the Busselton Jetty. Over the last two years the City has received notification of the targeting of tiger sharks off the Jetty and tiger shark carcasses being left on the ocean floor, potentially increasing interactions between sharks, swimmers and divers.

The State Government is responsible for the regulation of fishing activities under the Fish Resources Management Act 1994.

In December 2023, the City wrote to the Minister for Fisheries, the Hon. Don Punch MLA, after the announcement of a prohibition on shark fishing within the entire metropolitan area, requesting the Minister considers adding the Busselton Jetty in the Prohibition on Fishing (Wire Trace) Order 2022. The Minister has requested the City works with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) to identify appropriate areas that could be considered by the Minister as appropriate for the introduction of a wire trace ban.

In the interest of protecting the community, divers, recreational swimmers, marine life and our beaches, the City is considering requesting a ban on shark fishing off the Busselton Jetty and other areas in the locality.

Community consultation closed on 27 March and a report will be prepared for Council.