Article Summary:

We are shocked that the Queensland, Australia Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) is creating a dedicated shark fishery at a time when shark populations worldwide face unprecedented fishing pressure and many have been drastically reduced.

Although the DPI&F’s measures intend to bring sustainability to shark fishing, they appear to be driven by short-term financial gain. Instead, the establishment of shark fisheries will deplete shark populations and produce negative impacts to the Great Barrier Reef ecosystem. Short term economic interest of a small number of fishermen should not be placed above one of Australia’s – and the world’s - most precious resources: sharks and the Great Barrier Reef.

If you are against Australia’s actions, please take the time to sign these two petitions: [Shark Savers] [Australian Marine Conservation Society]