AAP General News (Australia)
12-20-2003
Qld: New protection announced for endangered grey nurse sharks
BRISBANE, Dec 20 AAP - The Queensland government today made grey nurse sharks officially
endangered, announcing increased protective measures and fishing restrictions.
Premier Peter Beattie said there were only 300 to 500 grey nurse sharks left on Australia's
east coast.
The new regulations would restrict fishing at four of the sharks' favourite breeding
sites in Queensland and diving restrictions were also put in place at three of the four
sites.
"We are banning all forms of fishing at Wolf Rock because of its importance to the
sharks, and almost all forms of fishing at Flat Rock, Henderson Rock and Cherub's Cave
because of the potential for harm to grey nurse sharks," Premier Peter Beattie said in
a statement.
The diving restrictions would apply to Cherub's Cave, Henderson Rock and Flat Rock.
"In the past, grey nurse sharks were mistaken for man-eaters and were hunted to the
brink of extinction," Mr Beattie said.
"In fact, they are the labradors of the shark world. Even a politician can swim with
grey nurses and emerge unscathed."
Breaches of environmental regulations attract fines of up to $225,000, while breaches
of fisheries regulations attract fines of up to $75,000.
AAP jlb/cdh
KEYWORD: SHARKS
2003 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.
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