The popular Omeo wreck dive trail, adjacent to the North Coogee Marina, will have added safety for divers from tomorrow, when a no fishing zone comes into force.
Just south of the marina, the wreck site already has a Department of Transport boating prohibition and the new fishing prohibition will help to eliminate the potential risk of injury through fishing and diving activities being undertaken in close proximity.
The Omeo’s sailing days saw it operate as both a passenger and cargo steamer, before it was driven ashore and wrecked at Coogee Beach in 1905, while being used as a coal hulk.
A special order under Fisheries legislation will be gazetted tomorrow, to formally establish a no fishing zone around the Omeo wreck site, which will also include the artificial reef modules that have been installed by the City of Cockburn for the use of divers and snorkelers.
Anyone who breaches the no fishing zone risks a fine of up to $5,000, plus an additional mandatory penalty equal to 10 times the value of the fish that are subject of an offence.