5 July 2012
DAFF12/352L
The Gillard Government today released Australia’s second National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks – Shark-plan 2.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Joe Ludwig, said Shark-plan 2 promoted the long-term conservation of Australian shark populations.
“About one quarter of known shark species are found in Australian waters and more than half were found nowhere else in the world,” Minister Ludwig said.
“This shows how important it is to get our conservation and management settings right for shark populations. Shark-plan 2 brings shark conservation, industry and the community together to match our international conservation and management obligations.
“The plan identifies research and management actions across Australia for the long-term sustainability of sharks, including actions to help minimise the impacts of fishing on sharks. Australia is a world leader in using our natural resources in a sustainable and well managed way. Shark-plan 2 provides a framework for conserving shark populations and for guiding the industries and communities that impact upon them.
“There is a high level of national and international interest in conserving and managing sharks in Australia. The operational strategy already identifies actions jurisdictions will undertake.
“Underpinning any improvement in our understanding of sharks is our body of research about shark biology, ecology, and population status. We need that research to assess the impact of human activities on sharks and therefore the level of management that’s needed. Shark-plan 2 calls for continued improvement in the identification of shark species caught, coordination of research and information sharing.”
The report builds on the lessons learned from Australia’s first contribution to international shark conservation and management measures, Shark-plan 1, which was released in 2004.
“We released the final review report in May 2011 and at the same time we released a draft Shark-plan 2 for public consultation,” Minister Ludwig said.
“The new plan and its associated operational strategy outline the steps and actions for the long-term conservation and management of sharks.”
Shark-plan 2 has been developed in conjunction with state, Northern Territory and Australian Government agencies, and has been endorsed by the Shark-plan Implementation and Review Committee and the Australian Fisheries Management Forum.
For further information, view Shark-plan 2 website.
