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STUDY UNRAVELS SHARK SECRETS12 January 2005 New research is helping fisheries managers and the fishing industry to find out more about little-known shark populations on the Great Barrier Reef. At least 60 species of sharks and rays live in the coastal and inshore waters of the Great Barrier Reef. While they are an important component of the Queensland inshore fin fish fishery, comparatively little is known about shark populations in coastal waters of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. Information from this new study will help with the management of the fishery. Researchers from Queensland Department of Primary Industries & Fisheries and CRC Reef Research Centre are surveying shark populations to find out the types of shark that are being caught by fishers. They are also looking at the size and sex of sharks caught, and if there is a seasonal pattern to shark catch. “We are collecting information that will help managers to assess the status of shark populations, and will be used to assist in the management of the East Coast inshore net fishery,” said CRC Reef researcher Mr Stuart Hyland, from the Department of Primary Industries & Fisheries, who is leading the survey. “About 20 of the 60 shark species found in inshore waters are harvested in the fishery.” Most sharks landed on Queensland’s East Coast are caught in mesh nets set in inshore and coastal waters. Mr Hyland and his team have been surveying sharks caught at Princess Charlotte Bay, and at Trinity Inlet in Cairns, since 2003. “As well as conducting independent catch surveys, we are working with commercial operators to identify the range of species caught within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area,” Mr Hyland said. Sharks are generally slow growing and long lived, meaning that shark populations can be rapidly depleted, and once reduced are slow to recover. Understanding the biology of these species is crucial to assess how fishing may affect shark populations, and to help fisheries managers draw up effective management plans. “This research is crucial to ensure that we are catching sharks sustainably,” said Mr Duncan Souter, CEO of the Queensland Seafood Industry Association. “It is important for researchers and the commercial fishing industry to collaborate to ensure the best outcomes for the fisheries resource.” Commercial shark fishers supply shark fillets to the Australian market, and shark fins to the export market in Asia. Under Queensland fisheries legislation, shark fishers are permitted to remove fins, but must retain the body of the shark while at sea. This prevents large-scale shark fishing exclusively for shark fin. The research will help to implement recommendations from the National Action Plan for Sharks released in May 2004, which has been ratified by both Queensland and Commonwealth Governments, and is supported by the fishing industry. For more information: |
