Grey Nurse Shark Protection Areas
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Despite its fierce appearance, the grey nurse shark is not a threat to people. |
Fishing restrictions came into effect on 19 December 2003 at four aggregation sites in south-east Queensland to protect the endangered grey nurse shark. Diving restrictions came into effect on the same day at three of the sites.
The grey nurse shark is listed as critically endangered under Commonwealth legislation with only an estimated 300 to 500 sharks left on Australia's east coast. The grey nurse shark is one of Australia's most endangered marine animals.
Despite a ban on taking the sharks in Queensland, New South Wales and Commonwealth waters, numbers continue to decline toward extinction. To reduce risk of harm or disturbance to the sharks, fishing and diving restrictions apply to the key aggregation sites of Wolf Rock, Flat Rock, Henderson Rock and Cherub's Cave.
Penalties for breaches of fisheries legislation and infringement notices can be issued on the spot for some offences.
The grey nurse shark is now listed under Queensland's Nature Conservation Act 1992 as an endangered animal. This is the highest threat category for animals surviving in the wild. The maximum fine for unlawfully taking, possessing, or selling a grey nurse shark or its parts is $225,000. The maximum fine for unlawfully fishing in a Grey Nurse Shark Protection Area is $75, 000.
On this page:
Activities allowed in Grey Nurse Shark Protection Areas
Closures apply all year and extend to a 1.2km radius from the central coordinate. Effective as at 19th December, 2003
Activity |
Wolf Rock |
Flat Rock |
Henderson Rock |
Cherub's Cave |
|
Any form of fishing (including spear fishing) or collecting at night |
No |
No |
No |
No |
|
Daytime line fishing (including bottom fishing,drift fishing and surface trolling) |
No |
No line fishing other than under and in accordance with the conditions of a SM (Flat Rock) Fishery Licence to surface troll to the west of the central coordinate |
No |
No |
|
Daytime trawl or net fishing |
No |
No |
No |
No |
|
Daytime crab fishing (other than spanner crabs) |
No |
No |
No |
No |
|
Daytime spanner crab fishing (restrictions apply*) |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Daytime aquarium collection (restrictions apply**) |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Daytime spear fishing |
No |
No |
No |
No |
|
Snorkelling and SCUBA diving |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
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For detailed information about SCUBA diving restrictions visit www.epa.qld.gov.au or call 07 3821 9000.
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- Night means 6pm to 6am
- Daytime means 6am to 6pm.
- *Spanner crab fishing restrictions: Use of dillies only as prescribed under theFisheries (Spanner Crab) Management Plan 1999
- **Aquarium collection restrictions: No lines or cast nets permitted, apparatus allowed is prescribed in theFisheries Regulation 2008.
Further information
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For detailed information on diving restrictions that apply in three of the four aggregation sites in Queensland waters, visit www.epa.qld.gov.au or call (07) 3821 9000.
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For information on management arrangements for grey nurse sharks in NSW key aggregation sites visit www.fisheries.nsw.gov.au.
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For information on management arrangements for grey nurse sharks in Commonwealth key aggregation sites visit www.epa.qld.gov.au
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Ring the Fishwatch Hotline to report any suspected illegal fishing activities: 1800 017 116. This number is not to be used for general inquiries.
This page contains a summary of some of the provisions of the Grey Nurse Shark Protection Areas under the Fisheries Act 1994 and its subordinate legislation.It is not a complete statement of the law and furthermore deals with matters that are subject to change. Penalties apply for breaches of fisheries legislation and infringement notices can be issued on the spot for some offences.
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Last updated 1 April 2008
