Is Spearfishing Illegal in WA?

Spearfishing is an ancient way of fishing that many anglers still enjoy today. It’s a great way to get up close and personal with the fish and offers a more sustainable alternative to traditional fishing methods. However, spearfishing is not legal in all areas, and those in Western Australia are no exception.

In Western Australia, the laws governing spearfishing vary between different regions.

In general, it is legal to spearfish in coastal waters, but not in fresh or estuarine waters. There are also rules governing the type of equipment that can be used and the size of the fish that can be taken. These rules are set out in the Fisheries Regulations 1995.

In addition to these regulations, there are also other restrictions that apply to spearfishing in WA. For example, spearfishers must have a valid recreational fishing license before they can take part in any activities involving spears or harpoons. The use of scuba gear for this type of fishing is also prohibited unless special permission has been granted from the Department of Fisheries.

Spearfishers must also adhere to a number of safety requirements including wearing flotation devices at all times while spearfishing and ensuring they don’t dive too deep (no deeper than 20 metres). If these safety requirements are not followed then fines may be issued.

In conclusion, it is clear that while spearfishing is legal in some areas of WA, there are certain restrictions and safety requirements which must be adhered to when participating in this activity. Therefore, it is important for anyone interested in taking up this sport to familiarise themselves with the relevant regulations before doing so.

To answer the question ‘Is Spearfishing Illegal in WA?’ – Spearfishing is legal in some areas of WA with certain restrictions and safety requirements which must be followed.

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Emma Gibson