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Shark fishing ban bites anglers

Posted on January 8, 2010, 9:09am and updated on January 13, 2010 at 7:04 pm

Angry South East anglers have supported a petition to overturn the Federal Government’s ban on fishing three game shark species, following their recent listings as endangered.

The petition seeks to allow fishing for shortfin mako, longfin mako and porbeagle sharks to continue, arguing there is no evidence the species are declining in Australia.

Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett has said the government was obliged to disallow fishing of the species after they were named as threatened migratory species at an international convention (CMS).

Port MacDonnell Offshore Angling Club past president Gary Clarke said recreational anglers across Australia were furious.

Mr Clarke said he had signed an online petition against the ban, which he said would be detrimental to recreational fishing across South Australia and the east coast if upheld.

“I think it’s disgusting the way it was done without consultation,” Mr Clarke told The Border Watch.

“The mako ban will greatly diminish South East competition and would mean the end of game fishing in Victoria.

“The angling equipment industry would lose millions across the board — fishing gear, boats, cars that tow boats — it’s all connected.”

The ban is set to start on January 29.

Fishers who bring mako or porbeagle sharks ashore will risk prosecution and an $11,000 fine.

Mr Clarke said Australia was being punished for European countries ruining their own stocks in the Mediterranean.

“Signatories to the CMS, including Australia, listed the sharks as endangered despite opposition from Australia’s main fishing organisations,” he said.

“The species follows the continental shelf, but does not cross the equator.

“Australia has mako sharks in abundance this year, although Europe may not.

“It’s hard to fathom the reason behind the endangered listing. Aside from sport, they are great to eat.”

The Game Fishing Association of Australia has called on Mr Garrett to delay the legislation, which it will attempt to bring before the High Court for reversal.

President Grahame Williams said it was not a conservation issue.

“We are fully supportive of genuine, evidence-based conservation initiatives and have policies on threatened and protected species,” Mr Williams said.

“Minister Garrett has a range of options to grant an exemption or approval to recreational fishers regarding the taking of mako and porbeagle sharks.

“With over four million Australians fishing every year and generating millions of dollars for regional economies, this is an issue the Rudd Government should not ignore.”

Humane Society International program officer Alexia Wellbelove endorsed the ban, but said the government should have consulted the game fishing industry on its implications.

However, Ms Wellbelove dismissed Mr Garrett’s attempt to mollify anglers, when he last month said the government would consider allowing the tag and release of mako and porbeagle sharks for research purposes, as a “gutless sop”.

She said the decision “smacks of a complete backdown in the face of protest from a small constituency of recreational fishers”.

“Worldwide shark numbers are declining,” she said.

“We don’t know much about them and believe the ban should remain strictly implemented — without catch and release — until more research is conducted.

“Precautionary measures must be taken to maintain their existence.

“The minister’s implication is that the catch and release of the sharks has no impact on their populations, a fact which cannot be substantiated by science, to say nothing of animal welfare and cruelty implications.”

ELLIE TURNER

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