South Australia Introduces New Regulations To Protect Endangered Rays & Sharks

In some hopeful news, South Australia has introduced new regulations aimed at protecting vulnerable shark and ray species from overfishing and preventing inhumane treatment. The measures, which took effect on December 16th, 2024, were shaped by recommendations from the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA).

The new regulations come in response to growing concerns within the community about the mistreatment of sharks and rays, particularly those caught incidentally during fishing activities. The aim is to provide greater protection for these species and ensure they are treated with respect and care, addressing both sustainability and ethical concerns raised by various groups.

Sharks and rays are integral species to marine ecosystems, often referred to as the “guardians” of ocean health. As apex predators, they help regulate fish populations and maintain the balance of life beneath the sea. However, overfishing, habitat degradation, and unethical fishing practices have put many of these species at-risk. While sharks and rays are already protected by various laws, these new rules represent a critical step toward ensuring their long-term survival.

The newly introduced regulations include several key measures. First and foremost, both recreational and commercial fishers will be prohibited from catching specific endangered or critically endangered species, such as the Whitefin Swellshark, Oceanic Whitetip Shark, Green Sawfish, and the Grey Nurse Shark, among other species. This ban is designed to offer these species critical protection from exploitation, particularly in light of their dwindling populations. These species, once targeted for their fins or other body parts, will now be protected under the law, which will help stabilize their numbers and allow for a healthier marine ecosystem.

In addition to these prohibitions, recreational fishers will face bag limits for certain vulnerable species. For example, species such as the Common Thresher Shark, Shortfin Mako, and the Melbourne Skate will be subject to a combined bag limit of one, while other species will have a limit of two. This will reduce the pressure on these vulnerable species while ensuring that fishing practices remain sustainable.

Moreover, recreational fishers will be required to adhere to maximum size limits for several ray species, including the Southern Eagle Ray and the Smooth Stingray. These size limits are crucial for ensuring that younger individuals are not prematurely removed from the population, giving them the opportunity to reproduce and contribute to the health of the species. Additionally, both commercial and recreational fishers will now be prohibited from deliberately damaging or mutilating non-noxious aquatic species that are not being retained.

A particularly important aspect of these new rules is the focus on preventing inhumane practices. Though incidents of deliberate mutilation are rare, there have been enough instances of inappropriate handling to warrant a legislative response. These new regulations send a clear message that the ethical treatment of sharks and rays is non-negotiable.

This victory also highlights the importance of shark and ray ecosystems. As apex predators, these species play an essential role in maintaining the overall health of the ocean. They help control populations of smaller fish and other marine life, preventing overgrazing of vital sea grasses and coral reefs. Their removal from the ecosystem can have devastating effects on marine biodiversity, leading to the collapse of entire ecosystems. By implementing these new regulations, the government is taking a significant step toward protecting not only the sharks and rays themselves but also the broader marine ecosystems that depend on them.

Clare Scriven, a key figure in the introduction of these measures, expressed the broader conservation perspective: “Sharks and rays play an important role in our aquatic ecosystem and, as such, are of high conservation concern. The ethical and humane treatment of sharks and rays is vital to their survival and conservation and is of interest to the broader community.” Her comments underscore the critical role that public and governmental collaboration can play in the protection of these vital species.