The Swan River foreshore at East Fremantle. Photo by Marvi Islam.
By Marvi Islam
Biologists are optimistic the introduction of radars on the Swan River will bring positive changes to the region’s marine life.
A new radar has been installed in East Fremantle to make sure boats do not exceed a speed limit of 8 knots.
Marine biologists have told The Bounce that high speed turbulence from boats can disturb vital marine organisms in the river.
The problem has been linked to issues in marine feeding grounds and threats fauna in the region.
“There have been cases where even larger marine lives such as dolphins were affected because of excessive speed of boats,” said Mike Leulen, a senior lecturer in Plant Sciences and Marine biology at Murdoch University.
According to the department of transport, 140 infringements were issued to boat owners last year that’s about three times the number in 2017.
In the previous year, CCTV cameras were installed at the Narrows Bridge, Deepwater Point, Point Walter and Belmont to try to better control the situation.
“The trial is a positive way to address the problem and empowers skippers to be responsible on the water – it is a great initiative which we are happy to be part of” said Transport Minister Rita Saffioti.
The department of transport if the radar trial is successful, more monitors will be installed along the river.