Following the review of Greynurse Shark protection, the Bass Point (Shellharbour) critical habitat site was delisted, and the shape of the critical habitat sites at Magic Point and Green Island were modified by Official Notice in the NSW Government Gazette.
Some changes were also made to recreational fishing and spearfishing arrangements at Magic Point, Green Island and Fish Rock critical habitats, and at the North Solitary, South Solitary and Mermaid Reef aggregation sites. The changes as of 1 July 2014 are summarised in the table below.
Site name & legal status | Recreational fishing restrictions | Spearfishing restrictions |
---|---|---|
Fish Rock (PDF, 856.64 KB) Critical Habitat (FM Act) Section 8 closure (FM Act) | Line fishing using bait is prohibited* | The taking of fish by spear or speargun is prohibited within 200m of Fish Rock other than: Australian Salmon; Mahi Mahi; Tailor; Cobia; Marlins and Sailfish (all species in the family Istiophoridae); Mackerels and Tunas (all species in the family Scombridae); Wahoo; Trevallies, Yellowtail Kingfish and Rainbow Runner (all species in the family Carangidae) |
Green Island (PDF, 856.64 KB) Critical Habitat (FM Act) Section 8 closure (FM Act) | Line fishing using bait is prohibited* | Permitted |
Magic Point (PDF, 154.38 KB) Critical Habitat (FM Act) Section 8 closure (FM Act) | Line fishing using bait is prohibited* | Permitted |
The Steps / Anemone Bay, North Solitary Island (PDF, 1051.25 KB) Habitat Protection Zone (MP(ZP)) Section 8 closure (FM Act) | Line fishing using bait is prohibited* Wire traces are permitted for trolling purposes only within 500 m of North Solitary Island, but only whilst a vessel is underway. | Permitted |
Manta Arch, South Solitary Island (PDF, 1065.09 KB) Habitat Protection Zone (MP(ZP)) Section 8 closure (FM Act) | Line fishing using bait is prohibited* Wire traces are permitted for trolling purposes only within 500 m of South Solitary Island, but only whilst a vessel is underway. | Permitted |
Mermaid Reef (PDF, 917.85 KB) Section 8 closure (FM Act) | Line fishing using bait is prohibited* | Permitted |
Julian Rocks (PDF 210.21 KB) Critical Habitat (FM Act) & Sanctuary Zone (MP(ZP)) | Fishing prohibited | Fishing prohibited |
The Pinnacle (PDF 291.68 KB) Critical Habitat (FM Act) & Sanctuary Zone (MP(ZP)) | Fishing prohibited | Fishing prohibited |
Big and Little Seal Rocks (PDF 803.29 KB) Critical Habitat (FM Act) & Sanctuary Zone (MP(ZP)) | Fishing prohibited | Fishing prohibited |
Little Broughton Island (PDF 2, 551 KB) Critical Habitat (FM Act) & Sanctuary Zone (MP(ZP)) | Fishing prohibited | Fishing prohibited |
Tollgate Islands (PDF 494.62 KB) Critical Habitat (FM Act) & Sanctuary Zone (MP(ZP)) | Fishing prohibited | Fishing prohibited |
Montague Island (PDF 494.62 KB) Critical Habitat (FM Act) & Habitat Protection Zone - Restricted (MP(ZP)) | 1. line fishing permitted 1 May - 31 October 2. between 1 November - 30 April: a. No fishing with bait; b. No fishing at anchor; c. No fishing with a wire trace line; d. No nets (but landing nets are allowed) | Permitted |
Table Notes:
FM Act = Fisheries Management Act 1994;
MP(ZP) = Marine Parks (Zoning Plan) Regulation 1999;
* denotes that soft plastics, artificial baits and vegetable baits are permitted
This table is a summary of fishing restrictions at the listed critical habitat and aggregation sites and is not a defence to prosecution.
Research into Greynurse Shark interaction with fishing gear has shown that Greynurse Sharks are unlikely to interact with certain types of fishing gear such as artificial lures used while spinning, trolling and jigging. In addition, past dietary studies have shown that it is considered highly unlikely that Greynurse Sharks will interact with vegetable based baits.
This approach conserves and shares the fisheries resources of the State for the benefit of present and future generations. In particular the new rules aim to conserve threatened species while still retaining quality recreational fishing opportunities thereby providing social and economic benefits for the wider community of NSW consistent with the objects of theFisheries Management Act 1994.
The outcomes from the NSW Review of Greynurse Shark protection do not affect the management arrangements within Commonwealth Marine Reserves at Pimpernel Rock and the Cod Grounds. For more information on management of Commonwealth Reserves, see: Department of the Environment
Fishers may accidentally catch a Greynurse Shark while fishing for other species. If you catch a Greynurse Shark, you must release it carefully causing the least possible harm:
The national Code of Conduct for Diving with Greynurse Sharks (PDF, 96.66 KB) applies in all NSW waters, including Greynurse Shark critical habitat and aggregation sites.
To comply with the Code of Conduct, all divers must not:
All divers should comply with this Code of Conduct to avoid penalties including fines up to $110,000 or 2 years imprisonment (or both).
In addition, all tour operators must conduct all dives in recognised Greynurse Shark areas under this Code. In addition to the divers' obligations listed above, all tour operators must:
Commercial diving charters and operators are required by law to apply for a permit prior to undertaking any commercial diving activities in NSW marine parks. For applications please refer to the NSW Marine Parks Permit Application Form (PDF, 42.35 KB).
Significant penalties apply for non-compliance of rules, including:
For further information about the operation of the rules, please Phone: 02 4982 1232 or contact your local District Fisheries Office.
You can report illegal fishing activity by phoning: 1800 043 536 or by completing an online report form
More information on Greynurse Sharks can be found in the DPI Primefact