More Work Needed To Save Shark

November 19, 2007

Release from: ABC News Online (Australia)

The New South Wales commercial fishing industry is at risk of losing its export licence if the state government doesn't do more to protect the grey nurse shark.

The deadline to satisfy export approval conditions under the Wildlife Trade Operation, imposed by the Federal Government on the NSW Ocean Trap and Line Fishery, is December 14.

The director-general of the NSW Department of Primary Industries, Barry Buffier, says new measures have been implemented to restrict commercial line fishing in two of the state's grey nurse shark aggregation sites, but there's still more work to be done.

"We're in the process of negotiating with the Commonwealth now to come to a mutually satisfactory arrangement and one that's sensible in terms of ensuring the ongoing protection of grey nurse sharks, but one which doesn't absolutely prohibit commercial fishing."