A 23-year-old bikie gang nominee shot in a southern Perth suburb is a serving naval seaman.

Police were called to Cooloongup on Thursday night after reports of up to 20 people involved in a melee in the street.

Soon after a resident of Annean Loop reported hearing a gunshot.

About the same time police were notified of a man presenting at the Emergency Department of the Rockingham Kwinana District Hospital with a bullet wound to the chest.

The Gang Crime Squad is investigating the incident after it was confirmed the victim is a nominee of the Rebels Bikie Gang.

The ABC has also learned the man is a serving naval technician who has been absent-without-leave from HMAS Stirling Naval Base since December.

The man is reported to be in a stable condition.