Flinders University PhD candidate Chloe Roberts has played a leading role a community-driven campaign to protect South Australia’s endangered sharks and rays.
Starting December 16, new regulations will enhance the protection of sharks and rays in South Australia, safeguarding them from inhumane treatment and overfishing.
Some 77 species of shark, ray and chimaera inhabit South Australian waters. Thanks to Chloe’s efforts, in collaboration with The Shark and Ray Coalition, the state government will introduce the greatest levels of protection in the country with fines for breach of the new arrangements being up to $20,000.
In 2022, a coalition of concerned organisations – including conservation groups, scuba divers, researchers, and snorkelers made a submission to PIRSA on the protection of vulnerable sharks and rays.
The submission included several proposed changes to increase the level of protection for these important species.
The new fishing management arrangements include:
- A level of protection for all 77 species of shark and ray in South Australia ranging from ‘no take’ to daily catch limits.
- Eight sharks to be protected with total fishing bans in South Australian waters.
- Two groups of skates and one group of stingarees (totalling 12 species) are now protected with no-take limits in South Australian waters.
- Several species of ray now have catch size restrictions.
Chloe Roberts is a PhD student at the Southern Shark Ecology Group and her research is currently focused on the diet and movement of local sharks and rays. She has been working with passionate community members and PIRSA to implement these changes for shark and ray management.
Chloe says the value that these species provide to the environment and as charismatic animals loved by many beachgoers is now being recognised.
“I am thrilled that PIRSA has been so supportive and helped get these new rules passed to protect our marine wildlife.”
“Around one-third of all sharks, rays, and chimaeras face conservation issues, with many species’ declines caused by fishing pressures.”
“We are grateful to Minister Scriven for her and her department’s support to see South Australia lead the way regarding the management of shark and rays.”
Ocean conservationist from The Shark and Ray Coalition, Sarah Cameron says the organisation is grateful to PIRSA for their dedication and commitment over the past few years to bring about these changes.
“South Australia was lagging behind other states and territories with respect to laws protecting sharks and rays and now we are leading the country and setting a new standard for protecting these animals.”
“We know the majority of people are against this type of cruelty and now these people will be penalised. It’s time these sentient marine animals were afforded the respect and regulations given to land animals.”
In addition to PIRSA’s communications activity, the community coalition will undertake a communications plan to assist with not only ensuring fishers are aware of these new regulations, but also understand how to release unwanted or protected catch.
