Australia supports recreational fishing of thresher sharks

by S. C.

The Rudd Government says it will do all it can to support recreational fishers to continue fishing thresher sharks in a sustainable way.

The Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) recently decided to adopt new measures to conserve the species including a requirement for commercial fishers to release thresher sharks unharmed.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke said Australia has well-regulated commercial and recreational fishing sectors and a strong track record of implementing measures to address concerns with the conservation status of various species.

“Australia already has in place measures that are designed to protect all sharks,” Mr Burke said.

“I want to ensure that should Australia need to implement new measures to protect these sharks that they are practical and take into account existing management arrangements in both the commercial and recreational sectors,” Mr Burke said.

“To ensure the continued good management of the species, I’ll consult with my state and territory colleagues and state recreational fishing bodies on existing arrangements and new measures as they are identified.

“For the commercial fishers, there are already strong measures in place to ensure the sustainable management of sharks in Australian waters, including shark bycatch limits and bans on finning and wire traces or lines.

“The Australian Fisheries Management Authority is consulting with the commercial fishing industry on how to put in place the new requirement to release thresher sharks caught in the IOTC area.

“On behalf of all of Australian fishers recreational, sport and commercial, I want Australia to clearly outline to the IOTC the practical measures it has taken to conserve thresher shark species and that the government supports the Australian seafood industry in its sustainable management and stewardship of the marine environment,” he said.