Randwick City Council is reminding fishers that spearfishing is still prohibited in Randwick City ocean pools and the Bronte-Coogee Aquatic Reserve, following a recent report of a spearfisher at Malabar Ocean Pool last weekend.

Under the NSW Department of Primary Industry legislation, spearfishing is prohibited in freshwater as well as many entrances, coastal lagoons and other tidal waters, including NSW ocean beaches except the last 20m from the end of each beach.

Mayor of Randwick City, Noel D’Souza, said that while spearfishing is a popular recreational form of fishing, it is important that spearfishers follow signage on site at select ocean pools as well as adhering to the NSW Department of Primary Industry legislation.

“Randwick City is a popular place to fish, however, it is important for people to follow the rules and use common sense.

“Spearfishing in an ocean pool used by families is dangerous and could potentially put people’s lives at risk.  Any fisher, spearfisher or otherwise, should be checking the NSW Department of Primary Industries website to ensure they are fishing not just within the legislation but safely too,” said Mayor D’Souza.

The Department of Primary Industries has a Saltwater Recreational Fishing Guide with helpful tips for spearfishing in Randwick City including:

• Spearfishing in Clovelly Bay and Gordons Bay is prohibited, including removal of the blue groper
• Never point your speargun at anyone (including yourself) for any reason
• Avoid carrying spearguns through crowded areas
• Always handle your speargun as if it is loaded
• Be considerate of other water users
• Avoid spearfishing in popular swimming locations

Please contact Randwick City Council regarding anyone spearfishing in an ocean pool in Randwick City on 1300 722 542.

To report illegal fishing activities, please call the Fishers Watch line on 1800 043 536, all calls will be treated as confidential and you may remain anonymous.

To find out more about fishing legislation, please visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing.