Warning to skippers: keep clear of replacement wave buoy at Albany

For the third time in two years the wave rider buoy off Albany will be replaced next month to restore the flow of important information about sea conditions in the area but skippers have been warned they risk a fine if they continue to fish near it. 

In advance of the deployment the Department of Transport (DoT) is enlisting the support of responsible skippers and calling on them to report vessels breaching a new exclusion zone, requiring vessels to maintain a minimum 100 metres from the buoy once it is replaced next month.

DoT Operations Manager Kriss Logan said the irresponsible behaviour of some skippers had seen the wave height and direction data collecting buoy come adrift on a total five occasions since its installation in 2008. 

“Damage from large fishing hooks and lines eventually severs the mooring line to the buoy and it usually has to be replaced at a cost of more than $60,000 if the vital wave information it supplies is to continue to commercial fishermen, shipping companies, the Southern Ports Authority and the recreational boating community operating out of Albany,” Mr Logan said.  

“The information from the buoy significantly benefits the safety of those going to sea and provides long-term data to assist in the management of the coastline and also in the planning and design of coastal infrastructure.”

Located west of Eclipse Island, the buoy last went adrift in April this year prompting a request for skippers keep a lookout for it in the water and along the southern coastline. However, it hasn’t been found.

The replacement buoy is clearly identified as a large yellow sphere surrounded by a steel frame and fitted with a two-metre antenna. The buoy can’t be confused with fish attracting devices which are totally different in appearance.   

Mr Logan said officers were also investigating options for the replacement buoy to be fitted with a camera to identify vessels operating in close proximity but DoT would also like to hear from skippers if other vessels are doing the wrong thing.

Information can be provided to DoT via our website or Deckee  and irresponsible skippers face a fine of up to $500 if they prioritise their catch over the safety of other water users.

Near real time wave information for Albany will be available next month and continues to be available on our website for other locations. 

Media contact: media@transport.wa.gov.au