Grey Nurse Shark Court Case

[Nete-Quette]

Northern Inland Fishing News - November issue

[seana]

I see the Green's are at it again; Conservation Council has started a petition to Garrett to implement their oriignal fishing exclusion recommendations

http://nccnsw.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2224&Itemid=1

It seems they won't give up. I notice very little discussion on this on any of the fishing websites. Is there any plans to launch a similar counter argument? Garritt is mad enough that he might just implement it...

Cheers
Sean

[billfisher]

I found this on another site:


Media Release from Ian Cohen MLC
14 December 2007

Greens MP supports Peter Garrett

The Federal Environment Minister has made his first positive environmental intervention by using his powers to insist that NSW throw a lifeline to the critically endangered Grey Nurse shark.

The NSW Ocean Trap and Line Fishery's export licence was due to expire today, but has been extended for another six months on condition that critical shark habitats are protected.

'With fewer than 500 Grey Nurse sharks surviving in NSW waters it was important that immediate action was taken, and although there will now be a further delay of six months, I congratulate Peter Garrett for having the mettle to start action,' said Upper House Greens MP Ian
Cohen.

'I am pleased that Minister Garrett recognised the state Primary Industries Minister Ian Macdonald needs to act more forthrightly on this issue.

'I am also pleased that he has recognised the impact the Trap and Line Fishery is having on marine life and has had the courage to act decisively to protect at least some of the critical habitat of these
amazing sharks.

'Unfortunately though, Minister Macdonald has fudged and delayed so that now we have to wait until May of next year for a result. This means there will be a continuing Grey Nurse death toll from recreational fishing (in addition to commercial fishing) over summer.

'We also need to remember that marine sanctuaries are the only solution that will protect the sharks from recreational as well as commercial fishing.

'Ian Macdonald's mismanagement of this issue in NSW shows that commercial pressures and lobbying from resource users clouded his judgement on shark conservation.

'It is timely that the Feds are acting to put the brakes on a state Primary Industries Minister running rough shod over a threatened marine species.

This decision is a forceful invitation to the NSW Government to take a much closer look at sustainability issues in commercial fisheries and Minister Garrett should be congratulated,' said Mr Cohen.
     

[CEO]

How do Grey Nurse sharks get from sanctuary to sanctuary Mr Cohen? Do they read the signs or do they look for the pink water? And aren't they vulnerable between sanctuaries?  A little information goes a long way with a greeny!