In a landmark achievement for marine conservation, South Australia implemented the nation’s most comprehensive protections for sharks and rays on December 16. These new regulations, driven by a community-led campaign, aim to safeguard 77 species of shark, ray, and chimaera from overfishing and inhumane treatment. The rules range from complete bans on fishing to daily catch limits and size restrictions, reflecting the growing recognition of the ecological and intrinsic value of these marine animals.
The initiative owes much to the tireless efforts of Chloe Roberts, a PhD candidate at Flinders University and researcher with the Southern Shark Ecology Group. Collaborating closely with The Shark and Ray Coalition, Chloe played a pivotal role in rallying support from conservation groups, scuba divers, researchers, and snorkelers. Together, they submitted detailed proposals to South Australia’s Primary Industries and Regions SA in 2022, urging stronger measures to protect vulnerable sharks and rays.
Their advocacy has paid off.
The new regulations include a total fishing ban for eight shark species, no-take limits for 12 species of skates and stingarees, and catch size restrictions for several species of rays. These measures come with steep penalties for violations, with fines reaching up to $20,000 AUD. Conservationist Sarah Cameron, from The Shark and Ray Coalition, highlighted the significance of this achievement: “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.”
Roberts’ research focuses on the diet and movement of local sharks and rays, providing critical insights into their ecological roles. She emphasizes that around one-third of all sharks, rays, and chimaeras worldwide face conservation issues, largely driven by fishing pressures. “The value these species provide to the environment and as charismatic animals loved by many beachgoers is now being recognized,” Chloe remarked in a press release by Flinders. “I am thrilled that PIRSA has been so supportive and helped get these new rules passed to protect our marine wildlife. 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.”
For Chloe and her coalition partners, this victory is not just about enforcing regulations but also fostering a cultural shift in how sharks and rays are perceived and treated. The regulations are designed not only to curb cruelty but also to ensure the long-term sustainability of South Australia’s marine ecosystems, where these animals play vital roles as predators and ecosystem engineers. “It’s time these sentient marine animals were afforded the respect and regulations given to land animals,” Cameron stated.
The implementation of these rules will involve a comprehensive communication plan led by PIRSA and supported by the coalition. This plan aims to educate fishers about the new regulations and teach them how to safely release unwanted or protected catch. The coalition hopes this success will inspire similar measures in other states and territories, further strengthening Australia’s reputation as a global leader in marine conservation.
For now, the conservation community is celebrating a hard-earned victory.
