Grey nurse shark conservation review underway in New South Wales Australia

A review of grey nurse shark protection moves to Coffs Harbour today, Tuesday July 12, 2011.

The O’Farrell government has revoked fishing bans off South West Rocks and rolled-back management zones in the Solitary Islands Marine Park.

The department of Primary Industries’ Sarah Fairfull says more review sessions are at South West Rocks tomorrow, Port Macquarie Thursday and Forster on Friday.

She says the Solitary Islands is one of the region’s habitat areas for the critically endangered species.

“There’s 10 critical habitat sites along the NSW coast.

“In our area here we’ve got Fish Rock and Green Island at South West Rocks and the Pinnacle at Forster and Big and Little Seal Rocks.

“So there’s a number of sites of interest to fishers, as well as scuba divers and spear fishers who obviously want to get engaged in this discussion,” she said.

The Department of Primary Industries says all views will be taken into account during the review of grey nurse shark protection zones.

An information session was held at Byron Bay yesterday, and similar events are planned for Coffs Harbour, South West Rocks, Port Macquarie and Forster throughout the week.

Ms Fairfull says all submissions will be considered.

“Essentially we’re here to provide information to the community and make sure they’re aware of the discussion paper and they’ve got the opportunity to make a submission online or provide hard copies at the venues.

“Every submission will be looked at and we’ll be basically coming up with a range of views which we’ll then take forward into a review process about where we go with grey nurse shark protection options in NSW.”

SOURCE:  ABC NEWS