LandCorp recently closed vehicular access to the Southern Breakwater of the Jervoise Bay marine industries harbour (generally known as ASI Groyne) accessed from Clarence Beach road. The ASI Groyne will, however, remain open to pedestrian access and recreational fishing.

In a letter to Recfishwest, LandCorp fully detailed the reasons that caused them to take this action and unfortunately for us much of the problem seems to have been caused by the anti‐social behaviour of general community members rather than recreational fishers. The reasons for the closure include damage to fencing on sites adjacent to the breakwater to gain access to jetty structures, rocks thrown at the historic MV Perth which is moored adjacent to the breakwater for renovation, vehicles travelling at high speed on the breakwater, vehicles using the breakwater for late night meetings, and rubbish dumping along the breakwater and in the harbour.

LandCorp has asked Recfishwest to advise its members of the closure of the breakwater to vehicles and they have also asked us to warn members who are using the breakwater to be careful of broken glass and discarded syringes on the breakwater.

Recfishwest has responded to LandCorp accepting their decision to close the breakwater to vehicles – we have no realistic alternative. On the other hand we have stressed the importance of retaining the best access possible to potential fishing sites. This is particularly important in Cockburn Sound, which is so close to such a large proportion of the population of Western Australian. In our response we have asked them to consider providing one or more fishing platform along the breakwater to improve the access for older and less agile people.

In view of the concern LandCorp has expressed about the problems of rubbish, broken glass in particular, Recfishwest is considering another clean up day for this popular recreational fishing spot in the near future. The last ASI Groyne cleanup day, held in July 2009, was a great success with many fishers volunteering their time to help maintain a clean fishing environment.

Thanks to Recfishwest for the information.