Shark threat fears raised in NSW

There are concerns the critically endangered grey nurse shark remains under threat because of a lack of action from the New South Wales Government.


When it took power the O'Farrell Government reversed fishing bans at Fish Rock and Green Island on the state's north coast.

The lifting of the bans outraged conservationists, who say it placed the critically endangered grey nurse at further risk.

The east coast population of grey nurse sharks is listed as a critically endangered species under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

When the bans were revoked Primary Industries Minister Katrina Hodgkinson announced a review of protections for grey nurse sharks in the area.

"As promised prior to the election, we want to ensure the public as well as the scientific community have a proper chance to be consulted before any final decision is made," Ms Hodgkinson said.

Submissions to the three-month review closed in August.

Opposition spokesman Luke Foley is angry no measures to protect the grey nurse shark have been put in place.

"The O'Farrell Government has declared open season on the Labrador of the ocean, the harmless, majestic, beautiful grey nurse shark," said Mr Foley.

"They lifted the restrictions on harming the grey nurse shark for a three-month review, eight months later that review hasn't reported.

"We are going into the peak holiday season with the grey nurse shark unprotected."

Mr Foley says he has received numerous reports of sharks in the area with fish hooks in their mouths.

A spokesman for the Department of Primary Industries has defended the delay, saying a report on the submissions it received will be released shortly.

"The summary report will initially be provided to a key stakeholder organisations, in order that they are able to have time to examine the information," said the spokesman.

"The NSW Department of Primary Industries will then undertake independently facilitated consultation to engage and involve key stakeholders in order to develop future management options for grey nurse sharks in NSW."

On its website the DPI says "despite their fierce appearance, grey nurse sharks are not a threat to divers or swimmers unless provoked".

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-12-21/shark-threat-fears/3742454/?site=newcastle