September 22, 2008

The proposals for how sharks are targeted in Queensland, Australia and the Great Barrier Reef, the subject of our petition, has been called into independent review by Australia's Environment Minister, Peter Garrett. This is potentially very good news. Our hope, of course, is that this will lead to a ban on shark fishing in the Great Barrier Reef.

From the Brisbane Times:

Environmentalists will seek a ban on shark takes under proposed new management arrangements for a fin fishery operating off Queensland's coast.

The East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery, which targets barramundi, bream and other fish species, ranges from Cape York in the north to the NSW border in the south and includes the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.

An independent review of proposed changes to the fishery was announced today by federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett, following talks with Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries Minister Tim Mulherin on its impact on shark stocks and potential interactions with protected species, particularly dugongs, whales and sawfish.

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