Scientists Warn On Reef Shark Population

December 5, 2006

Release from: Australian Associated Press

Coral reef sharks face a catastrophic world-wide population collapse if present fishing levels remain unrestricted, scientists warn.

A new study compiled by Queensland scientists along the Great Barrier Reef shows the sharks' population level is similar to endangered oceanic species.

The report found grey reef shark numbers have declined to three per cent of levels prior to fishing, with white-tip reef sharks at 20 per cent - and declining.

The findings, obtained from comprehensive data analysis, will be presented to the World Conservation Union (IUCN), which will make a decision on whether the sharks should be added to the endangered species list.

The report's authors described the findings as "disturbing".

Head researcher William Robbins, from James Cook University, said a reduction in fishing levels is the only way to rejuvenate reef shark numbers.

"(The research) suggests that immediate and substantial reductions in fishing pressure will be needed to give threatened populations any chance of recovery," he said.

Fellow researcher Sean Connolly said: "The steepness of the decline of the sharks numbers throughout the Great Barrier Reef is really disturbing.

"It could be worse in the rest of the world."

Dr Connolly said over-fishing, late maturation and a two-year reproduction cycle had contributed to the shark's dramatic population decline on the reef.

He said the situation could be worse in other parts of the world with "finning" - illegal in Australia - severely reducing shark numbers.

Finning, which involves cutting the shark's fins off before returning the body to the water, is practised by Asian fishing crews to supply a lucrative industry.

Dr Connolly said there were three "good reasons" - tourist dollars, a sustainable fishing industry and reef protection - why the sharks were more valuable alive than dead along the Great Barrier Reef.