Qld: Conservationists welcome shark protection measures

AAP General News (Australia)
12-22-2003
Qld: Conservationists welcome shark protection measures

BRISBANE, Dec 22 AAP - Conservationists have welcomed Queensland moves to protect the
endangered grey nurse shark.

Humane Society International (HSI) said the new measures would help conserve grey nurse
shark numbers which were estimated at only 400.

The new regulations announced by Premier Peter Beattie will restrict fishing at four
of the sharks' favourite breeding sites off the Queensland coast.

Diving restrictions were also put in place at three of the four sites.

HSI wildlife campaigner Averil Bones (Averil Bones) said researchers had predicted
the shark could be extinct on Australia's east coast in as little as six years if nothing
was done.

"Following scientific nominations from HSI, line fishing has been identified in law
as the key threat to the species," Ms Bones said.

"By removing this threat from grey nurse shark critical habitat sites, we hope extinction
can be avoided."

Mr Beattie said all forms of fishing were banned at Wolf rock because of its importance
to the sharks which were harmless, and almost all fishing at Flat Rock, Henderson Rock
and Cherub's Cave.

Earlier this month, the federal government declared as sanctuaries two more critical
habitat sites in Commonwealth waters.

The NSW government is currently reviewing regulations governing its shark habitats
and was expected to make an announcement on the matter in the New Year.

AAP rad/jhm/tma/de

KEYWORD: SHARKS

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