Fishing is now off-limits at 16 lakes and wetlands and one beach in the City of Stirling, after the Perth council adopted a sweeping ban that the state's peak recreational fishing body says goes far too far.
The council amended its property local law this month to prohibit fishing across its 16 inland lakes, wetlands and water bodies, along with Mettams Pool Beach. Locations such as Lake Gwelup, Herdsman Lake, Carine Regional Open Space and Jackadder Lake are covered, and anglers who ignore the rule risk a $125 fine. Stirling said the change followed resident complaints about antisocial behaviour and reports of native wildlife being hurt by fishing at some of its urban wetlands, PerthNow reported.
Recfishwest is not convinced the punishment fits the problem. Operations lead Matt Gillett said the body was "extremely disappointed" by the outcome.
"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," Gillett told PerthNow.
He framed the wetlands as vital, affordable access for people who cannot easily get to the coast. "These lakes provide one of the few affordable and accessible places where children, families and older people can enjoy fishing close to home," he said. "Taking that opportunity away because of the actions of a small minority is a poor outcome for the community."
Gillett said the sites are where many children first pick up a rod. "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, adding that the ban risked erasing the physical, mental and social benefits recreational fishing brings.
He also warned the council had overlooked the role anglers play in managing pest fish. "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," Gillett 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."
For Stirling, a total ban is the simplest way to halt the wildlife harm residents have flagged. For Recfishwest, a rule that targets everyone does nothing to hold the real culprits to account, while costing families a cheap local pastime and sidelining the anglers who help keep carp and tilapia in check.