Grey Nurse Shark Habitat Protected

May 12, 2007

Release from: news.com.au

A critical habitat for the endangered grey nurse shark off the mid-north coast of New South Wales has been been protected by the Federal Government.

All forms of fishing will be banned from the popular Cod Grounds off Laurieton at the end of this month when the 300 hectare area becomes an official marine reserve.

The area was recognised as a key habitat for the grey nurse shark in 2002.

There are less than 500 of the sharks remaining off the east coast of Australia after the population was decimated in the 1960s by spearfishers, anglers and commercial fishing.

The Humane Society International (HSI) declared the establishment of the sanctuary a long-awaited victory for the endangered shark.

"Without a doubt the greatest threat to grey nurse sharks is from fishing and accidental hooking," said Rebecca Keeble, HSI spokeswoman.

"Finally, this habitat of immense importance has received protection as a strict nature reserve."

The HSI said the reserve should be 50 per cent larger to properly protect the sharks.

The NSW Government will be responsible for enforcing the new restrictions but the commonwealth is buying out several commercial fishing operations which worked the area.