Time Running Out To Comment On Grey Nurse Shark Proposals
10 November 2003

Time is running out to comment on proposals to restrict fishing and diving activities in six spots in south-east Queensland to protect the vulnerable grey nurse shark population.

The Department of Primary Industries Queensland Fisheries Service (QFS) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have released a Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) that proposes restricting fishing and diving in key grey nurse aggregation sites.

The six sites are Wolf Rock (off Double Island Point); and five sites in the Moreton Bay Marine Park including Gotham City, Flat Rock, Cherub’s Cave, Henderson Rock and China Wall.

However, the public only has until November 17 to comment in writing on the recommendations.

QFS fisheries resource manager Mark Doohan encouraged all members of the community to respond to the proposals which were aimed at protecting the estimated 300-500 grey nurse sharks that remain on Australia’s east coast.

“Grey nurse sharks are listed as critically endangered under Commonwealth legislation and are one of the country’s most endangered marine animals so it is vital we move to protect the remaining population,” Mr Doohan said.

However, he said it was important to remember that the RIS contained only recommendations.

“These proposals are only starting points and we do rely on public feedback to help assess them and determine whether they become legislation or not,” Mr Doohan said.

“So now is the time to have your say and make sure that your views are heard.”

Mr Doohan said the proposed restrictions were aimed at protecting the sharks from fishing hooks and other fishing activities that could be harmful to them.

“Hooks are a serious problem and can become embedded in the shark and cause serious infection as well as disrupt their feeding and digestion, causing them to starve,” he said.

Mr Doohan said it was also believed that diving too close to sharks or in large groups could affect their feeding and breeding behaviour and the proposals contained in the RIS aimed to address these impacts.

He said because of their fierce appearance, grey nurse sharks had been hunted almost to extinction. These sharks are not known to be dangerous to humans.

Copies of the RIS and more information can be found on the Fishweb site at www.dpi.qld.gov.au/fishweb or through the DPI Call Centre on 13 25 23.

Department of Primary Industries Media Unit
GPO Box 46 Brisbane Qld 4001 Ph 07 3239 6380
DPI Call Centre 13 25 23 (weekdays 8 am to 6 pm)

Further information: Mark Doohan (07) 3225 1888
Communications Officer: Liz Smith (07) 3224 7757

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