NZ Joins Great White Shark Fan Club

March 13, 2006

Release from: The Age (Australia)

New Zealand is moving to protect great white sharks in its waters, Conservation Minister Chris Carter said today.

Carter released a public discussion paper outlining options for New Zealand giving what he called "the celebrity predators of the ocean" the formal protection specified in the International Convention on Migratory Species.

He said great whites were protected in Australia, South Africa and the United States.

"They are an object of fear and fascination, but sadly there is growing evidence that this magnificent and rare species is in trouble internationally," Carter said.

"Like many other top predators, populations of great whites tend to be small and lack the elasticity to withstand external pressures, such as fishing and environmental change.

"The government believes it is time we thought seriously about playing our part in what is a global conservation issue," Carter said.

The discussion paper suggests imposing fines of up to $NZ250,000 ($A220,000) for killing one of the man-eating great whites, which featured in the film Jaws.