Background

C.Y. O'Connor Beach is a tranquil and picturesque spot in North Coogee, renowned for its clear waters and white sandy beach.

The installation of an engineered fringing reef 80m off the coast has seen this unique location become an even more vibrant marine habitat, attracting a wide range of fish and other marine life, and creating a wonderful spot for snorkellers, divers, and swimmers to enjoy.

The reef has also become a popular fishing spot, particularly for spearfishing, which has led to people contacting the City with safety concerns for increased risks of interactions between people in the water and fishers. A potential elevated risk of shark attraction linked to blood and burley in the water has also been raised.

With safety and sustainability in mind, the City is seeking to understand your perspective on a proposal to establish a no fishing zone 50m around the engineered fringing reef. The City considers that this will help to keep the area safe for swimmers, snorkellers, and divers to enjoy, protect and grow fish populations, and safeguard the reef’s habitat value for the long term.

No decisions have been made at this stage. The Minister of Fisheries has the authority to approve a no fishing zone, which would then be the responsibility of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) to legislate and enforce compliance.

By giving fish a protected place to breed and thrive, we can support the reef to continue creating a healthy marine environment and improve fishing opportunities outside of a localised no fishing zone.

How to participate

We invite you to share your thoughts on this proposal and help shape the future of our local marine environment.

Feedback closes 4pm, Tuesday 3 March 2026.