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Charges being considered over spearing of endangered grey nurse shark
21 June, 2004
Charges are being considered against a spearfisher allegedly found in possession of a dead grey nurse shark, the Director-General of NSW Fisheries, Steve Dunn, said today.
Mr Dunn said the spearfisher was apprehended by a NSW Fisheries Officer at Seven Mile Beach near Forster on June 9, 2004. The spearfisher’s diving equipment was seized by NSW Fisheries.
“Grey nurse sharks are endangered and are protected from all forms of fishing, so
this is a serious offence,” Mr Dunn said.
“The loss in this case was particularly great because it was an immature female of which there are already too few.”
“Any fisher who harms a grey nurse shark faces prosecution. It is illegal to catch, buy, sell or possess this species. Fines of up to $220,000 and/or two year’s jail apply.”
Grey nurse sharks were first declared threatened and protected from fishing in NSW in 1984. They were listed as endangered in 2001.
“Anyone who sees a person harming a grey nurse shark should contact their nearest NSW Fisheries office or call the Fishers Watch on 1800 043 536,” Mr Dunn said.
Media inquiries: Kristina Resanceff (02) 8437 4948 or 0419 185 375
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Originally Posted by SeaHunt
