Jurien Bay sea lion swimming trial delayed but still under consideration, according to State Government

A proposed trial which would see swimmers get right up close to sea lions in Jurien Bay has missed its summer deadline but is still being planned, according to the State Government. In September last year the McGowan Government announced it was considering a trial in which swimmers accompanied by licensed operators would be able interact with sea lions in Jurien Bay and the Shoalwater Islands off Rockingham, lifting the current restrictions which require swimmers to be 50m away from the animals in the water. In the original statement from Environment Minister Reece Whitby and Tourism Minister Roger Cook, it was stated the program would happen during the summer of 2022-23. A spokesperson for Mr Whitby has confirmed the program was still in its planning stages, and had not been scrapped. The spokesperson said public feedback on the draft management program had been analysed by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, and a proposed final management program was now being reviewed.