Leslie Massey
Shark fishing in South Australia is a highly debated topic. While some argue that it is essential for the local economy and a traditional source of food, others raise concerns about the ethical and ecological implications of the practice. In recent years, there has been a growing movement to ban or restrict shark fishing in the region due to the threat it poses to the marine ecosystem and the inhumane treatment of sharks. As a result, South Australia has implemented new rules and regulations to address these concerns and protect vulnerable shark species.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fishing ban | Fishing of critically endangered species such as the whitefin swellshark, oceanic whitetip shark, gray nurse shark, and green sawfish is banned. Fishing of endangered species like the greeneye spurdog, southern dogfish, and basking shark is also prohibited. |
| Species protection | The new rules protect species within 5 kilometers (3 miles) of the South Australian coast. |
| Gear restrictions | There are restrictions on the type of gear that can be used for shark fishing, and certain gear combinations are prohibited. |
| Bait restrictions | Bait restrictions apply in South Australian waters. Blood, bone, meat, offal, animal skin, and other prohibited products cannot be used as bait. |
| Catch limits | Different daily catch limits apply to various shark and ray species in South Australia. |
| Humane handling | Sharks and rays that are not kept for consumption must be returned to the water immediately and unharmed. |
| Fines | Violators of the new rules can face fines of up to A$20,000 (approximately $12,500 USD). |
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What You'll Learn
Fishing restrictions on critically endangered shark species
In South Australia, the state government has banned the fishing of several critically endangered shark species. These include the whitefin swellshark, oceanic whitetip shark, gray nurse shark, and green sawfish. The fishing of all stingarees in the genus Urolophus and skates in the genera Dipturus and Dentiraja is also prohibited. These rules came into effect on December 16, 2024, and apply within 5 kilometers of the South Australian coast.
The whitefin swellshark, greeneye spurdog, longnose skate, gray skate, and coastal stingaree are among the most endangered shark species in the world and are only found in Australian waters. By implementing these restrictions, South Australia is taking a leading role in protecting these vulnerable species and ensuring the sustainability of its fisheries.
Under the new regulations, it is an offence to intentionally damage or mutilate non-noxious aquatic resources that are not being retained. Additionally, there are gear restrictions and daily catch limits for various shark species. Safe handling practices are also emphasized, with guidelines recommending the use of soft knotless landing nets for small sharks and immediate release for those not intended for consumption.
While these measures are a positive step forward, it is important to recognize that these endangered shark species remain vulnerable outside of South Australian waters. There is an ongoing expectation for the Australian Government to provide a nationwide declaration of these species as endangered, which would require significant improvements in protection and recovery efforts.
The protection of critically endangered shark species in South Australia is a collaborative effort involving conservation groups, researchers, and marine enthusiasts. By prioritizing the sustainability of fisheries and the recovery of unique shark species, South Australia is contributing to the preservation of the ocean's fragile food chain and ecosystem.
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Rules for handling and releasing sharks
In South Australia, there are several rules and guidelines to follow when handling and releasing sharks. Firstly, it is important to prioritize both human safety and the welfare of the shark. If a shark is caught unintentionally or is not intended for consumption, it should be released back into the water as soon as possible, preferably without landing it. If the shark is hooked inside the mouth, cut the line as close as possible to the hook. Avoid lifting a shark by its tail, as some species have venomous barbs that can cause toxic injuries.
When handling sharks, it is recommended to keep your hands behind the pectoral fins to reduce the risk of shark bites. For larger rays, stay outside the radius of a tail length during handling and release, as they can strike with their tail and barbs. If a shark or ray needs to be resuscitated, run water across their gills using saltwater deck washes, buckets, or by moving them slowly forward in the water.
Different gear restrictions and daily fishing limits apply to various shark and ray species in South Australia. It is prohibited to use certain types of bait and berley, such as blood, bone, meat, offal, animal skin, or other prohibited products. Some species are protected at all times in state waters, while others have specific bag limits. For example, vulnerable species such as the Whitefin Swellshark, Oceanic Whitetip Shark, and Grey Nurse Shark have a combined bag limit of one for recreational fishers.
It is important to follow these rules and guidelines to ensure the ethical and humane treatment of sharks and rays, which are critical to the health of marine ecosystems. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines, as outlined in the recent legislative amendments aimed at protecting vulnerable shark and ray species in South Australia.
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Shark fishing gear restrictions
The new rules, which came into effect on December 16, 2024, prohibit the use of certain gear together and impose bait and berleying restrictions. Berleying, in particular, is considered a risk as it may attract sharks and must not include blood, bone, meat, offal, animal skin, or other prohibited products.
When fishing for sharks and rays in South Australia, it is important to prioritize human safety and the welfare of the animal. If a shark or ray is not intended for consumption, it should be released back into the water as soon as possible to avoid a slow death on the shore or jetty. In such cases, it is recommended to release the shark or ray without landing it and to cut the line as close as possible to the hook if it is hooked inside the mouth.
For those intending to keep their catch, a soft knotless landing net is advised for small sharks and rays. The National Code of Practice for Recreational Fishing outlines that the shark or ray must be killed humanely and as quickly as possible.
Violators of these gear restrictions and protection measures face fines of up to A$20,000 (approximately $12,500). These rules aim to protect the unique and endangered shark and ray species found in South Australian waters.
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Shark fishing limits
The South Australian government has taken a proactive approach to shark conservation by banning the fishing of several endangered and critically endangered shark and ray species within its waters. The ban includes species such as the whitefin swellshark, oceanic whitetip shark, grey nurse shark, and green sawfish, which are considered critically endangered. Additionally, fishing of endangered species like the greeneye spurdog, southern dogfish, and basking shark is also prohibited.
The new rules, which came into effect on December 16, 2024, specify gear restrictions and catch limits for various shark and ray species. It is now illegal to use certain types of gear in combination, and there are restrictions on bait and berleying. Berleying, in particular, is prohibited as it may attract sharks and pose a risk to humans in marine waters.
Safe handling practices are also a key focus of the new regulations. Sharks and rays that are not intended for consumption must be returned to the water immediately to ensure their survival. When releasing the shark or ray, it is important to prioritise both human safety and the welfare of the animal. If possible, it should be released while still in the water, and the line should be cut as close as possible to the hook.
While South Australia has taken a lead in protecting these vulnerable species, it is important to note that the protections are limited to within 5 kilometers (3 miles) of the coast. Beyond this range, the same species can be legally fished and sold for their meat. Conservation groups and marine biologists continue to advocate for federal protection of these endangered species beyond the state waters of South Australia.
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Shark sightings and safety
Sharks are an integral part of a healthy marine ecosystem, with over 160 species found in Australian waters. In South Australia, there are about 65 different species of sharks and rays. Some of these species are protected at all times in state waters, while others have daily fishing limits.
In December 2024, new rules were implemented to protect vulnerable shark species from overfishing and inhumane treatment. These rules prohibit the recreational and commercial fishing of critically endangered species such as the whitefin swellshark, oceanic whitetip shark, and basking shark, among others. The rules also specify gear restrictions, catch limits, and prohibit the intentional damage and mutilation of non-noxious aquatic resources.
When it comes to shark sightings and safety in South Australia, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Firstly, if you see a shark that may pose a risk to the public, you should report it to the South Australia Police as soon as possible by calling Triple Zero (000) or 131 444. The police will manage the response to the sighting. If the shark does not pose a threat to human life, you can report it to the 24-hour Fishwatch Hotline on 1800 065 522.
Additionally, it's important to follow safety guidelines when in the water to reduce the risk of a shark encounter. Berleying, for example, can attract sharks, so it's prohibited to use blood, bone, meat, offal, animal skin, or other similar products in South Australian waters. It's also a good idea to check for recent and historical shark sightings before entering the water and to follow guidelines on how to avoid sharks and stay safe.
The South Australian Government has provided fixed-wing aerial patrols of the highest-risk beaches around the summer season since 2003. These patrols run daily along the metropolitan coastline and extend to certain south coast beaches. When a shark that may pose a risk is sighted, the aircraft will fly continuous circles over the area and sound the siren, indicating that people should immediately leave the water.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, as of December 16, 2024, South Australia has implemented a fishing ban on several endangered and critically endangered shark species in its waters. This includes the Whitefin Swellshark, Oceanic Whitetip Shark, Grey Nurse Shark, and Green Sawfish. The ban also extends to certain stingaree and skate species.
Violators of the shark fishing ban in South Australia can face fines of up to A$20,000 (approximately $12,500 USD). These penalties aim to enforce strict gear restrictions, catch limits, and protect vulnerable shark species from unsustainable fishing practices and mistreatment.
The new rules only apply within 5 kilometers (3 miles) of the South Australian coast. Beyond this range, the protected shark species can still be legally fished and sold for their meat. This limitation highlights the need for federal protection of these endangered species across Australia.
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