Boaties reminded of new speed limits

As the weather warms and boat traffic on the water increases, the Department of Parks and Wildlife is reminding vessel owners and skippers of speed limit changes in the Rockingham area.

The speed limit in Shoalwater Bay Special Purpose Zone in the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park has been reduced from 12 knots to 8 knots as a result of the Department of Transport’s South Metropolitan Aquatic Use Review.

The review, which was completed in March, aims to ensure safe and sustainable use of the coastline as the population grows and demand increases for a variety of aquatic activities.

The speed limit reduction received very little opposition from the community and DPaW officers are now working hard to educate boating enthusiasts about the change in the coming months.

“We want to draw people’s attention to the change and inform those who may not have received notice,” DPaW marine park co-ordinator Melissa Evans said.

“Shoalwater Marine Park is home to some incredible wildlife and is also a very popular area for recreational activity.

“We have to make sure the Park is safe for people snorkelling, swimming and kayaking as well as for the penguins, dolphins and sea lions.

“Marine rangers will be conducting regular patrols to make sure people are slowing down and keeping to restrictions.”

Ms Evans said DPaW encouraged skippers to maintain a 10m distance from any animals they encountered.

“Dolphins and sea lions are inquisitive and may approach a boat so we ask that people slow down and turn off the outboard if they come close,” she said.

The speed limit change will apply to the whole park which stretches from the southern end of Cape Peron south to Mersey Point, and includes Seal Island, Gull Rock, Bird Island and Penguin Island.