The State’s peak recreational fishing body, Recfishwest, has criticised the City of Stirling’s new fishing ban as unfairly penalising responsible fishers for the actions of a small minority.
Earlier this month, the Stirling council formally adopted amendments to the city’s property local law that prohibited fishing across its 16 inland lakes, wetlands and water bodies, as well as at Mettams Pool Beach.
The changes were introduced in response to complaints from residents about antisocial behaviour and reports of native wildlife being injured by fishing activities at some urban wetlands.
Recfishwest believes the city’s crackdown goes too far and disproportionately penalises law-abiding fishers.
Recfishwest operations lead Matt Gillett told PerthNow the organisation was “extremely disappointed” by the city’s decision.
“We support efforts to protect wildlife and encourage responsible behaviour, but banning fishing altogether unfairly penalises the overwhelming majority of people who do the right thing,” Mr Gillett said.
Camera IconMatt Gillett, operations lead at Recfishwest. Credit: Recfishwest
“These lakes provide one of the few affordable and accessible places where children, families and older people can enjoy fishing close to home.
“Taking that opportunity away because of the actions of a small minority is a poor outcome for the community.”
The city’s new laws mean anyone caught fishing at sites including Lake Gwelup, Herdsman Lake, Carine Regional Open Space, Jackadder Lake and Mettams Pool Beach could face a $125 fine.
Recreational fishing is commonly held at some of these locations due to the presence of invasive fish species such as carp.
Mr Gillett said not everyone had the time, transport or means to regularly travel to the coast, making urban waterways an important and accessible place to fish close to home.
“For many young people, these lakes are where they first learn to fish, spend time outdoors and develop a lifelong appreciation for the environment,” he said.
“Responsible recreational fishing provides significant physical, mental and social well-being benefits and it’s disappointing those benefits will now potentially be lost at these locations.”
He also said the benefits of recreational fishers helping remove invasive fish species would be lost without addressing the behaviour that prompted the ban.
“Many of the fish caught in these lakes are introduced, non-native species such as carp, tilapia and other feral fish that have no conservation value and can negatively impact native ecosystems,” he said.
“Responsible recreational fishers play a useful role in removing these invasive species. A blanket ban removes that benefit without addressing the behaviour that was actually causing concern.”