Grey Nurse Shark

Last updated: 7 November 2003

Background

The Commonwealth is currently considering an nomination by HSI to list Australia's shark meshing as key threatening processes under the Environment Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. A successful listing will give significant force to legal and ecological arguments that nets and drumlines should be removed.

The nomination covers both shark control nets on oceanic beaches and drum lines. To meet the criteria a KTP must threaten at least one listed threatened species - the particular species we are concerned for are the endangered loggerhead turtle and the critically endangered grey nurse shark.

Environmental values at stake

1. The beach meshing and drumlines used in shark control programs directly target listed species and hamper efforts to stabilise populations, including critically endangered Grey Nurse Shark. It is essential further research be made into non-lethal alternatives, and a threat abatement plan is a good way for this research to be approached.

2. The beach meshing and drumlines entangle and kill hundreds of other species, including endangered loggerhead turtles (38 affected by the QLD program in 2002) and protected marine mammals such as dugong, dolphins and whales.

Solutions

The research clearly shows more is needed to be done to save the Grey Nurse Shark. The smaller no take sanctuaries as applied in NSW are failing, highlighting that the 1,500 m no take zone is essential and must be applied in Queensland. The poor state of the Grey Nurse Shark population dictates that the strongest protection is required to prevent this species becoming extinct.

Make a submission to the Queensland DPI.

Who to contact

The Director
Wildlife Conservation Status Section
Environment Australia
GPO Box 787
Canberra ACT 2601
epbc.nominations@ea.gov.au

Further information

Australian Marine Conservation Society

Queensland Conservation Council

Grey Nurse Shark Notes