ANGLERS SUPPORT PROTECTION FOR SHARKS

October 30, 2002

Recreational fishers will understand the need for increased grey nurse shark protection, Mr John Newbery, a recreational fishing representative on the Advisory Council on Fisheries Conservation, said today.

Mr Newbery welcomed today’s announcement by the NSW Government of a major initiative to help save the endangered grey nurse sharks.

Mr John Newbery said new fishing and diving rules would provide protection for ten critical habitats for grey nurse sharks in NSW.

“The Government appears to have taken a balanced approach.”

“While there will be restrictions on fishing, only fishing methods harmful to grey nurse sharks will be banned in these special areas,” Mr Newbery said.

“The new measures will remove the threats to grey nurse sharks posed by fishing due to accidental hooking and poor diving practices in critical habitat areas.”

“I am particularly pleased that the Government has taken firm action against the most deadly fishing method for grey nurse sharks – commercial set line fishing. This fishing method is the single biggest known killer of grey nurse sharks.”

“Recreational fishers will accept that they have to do their part to help save this species from extinction.”

“Anglers will no longer be able to anchor their boats on top of grey nurse shark critical habitats, and bait fish in a way that could lead to the sharks’ capture.”

Grey nurse sharks are regarded as a gentle giant. They are not known to attack humans.

MEDIA INQUIRIES: JOHN NEWBERY 0438 247 571

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