AMENDMENTS to several grey nurse shark critical habitat sites, across NSW, are now in effect, with the changes now gazetted by the NSW Government.
Department of Primary Industries, Director of Aquaculture Conservation and Marine Parks, Bill Talbot, said the changes are the next stage in implementing the outcomes of a major review of grey nurse shark protection that concluded late last year.
“The changes mean the critical habitat site at Bass Point, near Shellharbour, has been delisted, and the shape of the critical habitat sites at Green Island near South West Rocks, and Magic Point in Sydney have been amended,” Mr Talbot said.
“The Bass Point site is no longer recognised as being essential for the survival of Grey Nurse Sharks as ongoing research has shown it is of little, if any, importance to Grey Nurse Sharks as they no longer use the site.
“The critical habitat sites at Green Island and Magic Point have been amended to exclude waters within 50 metres of the mainland shore, meaning recreational fishing activities from the shore will not be affected by any fishing restrictions applying within critical habitat.”
Mr Talbot said the changes will reduce social impacts associated with the new Grey Nurse Shark protection measures announced late last year following concerns raised by anglers.
“Recreational fishers are particularly keen to retain access for species such as bream, tailor, mulloway, blackfish and drummer; often using small baits such as peeled prawns or green weed that are unlikely to hook a Grey Nurse Shark,” Mr Talbot said.
“Sydney anglers were also concerned that restrictions at Magic Point may lead to anglers fishing at alternative, more dangerous rock platforms.”
The changes were foreshadowed in the outcomes of the review of grey nurse shark protection in September 2012. Further community consultation and public exhibition of a report setting out the reasons for the critical habitat changes occurred in December 2012.
“The implementation of these changes highlights the NSW Government’s commitment to finding a balance that provides for recreational fishing access while maintaining our precious fisheries resources,” Mr Talbot said.
Full details of the changes are available on the DPI website www.dpi.nsw.gov.au
