Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2015L01763:reg:13:p1
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2015L01763
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 13 (pt 1/2)
Character Range: 114688–117648

13          Social and economic considerations
The five species of sawfish and river sharks protected by this recovery plan are all found in areas that overlap with commercial and recreational fishing activities and the species are also taken by Indigenous Australians for food and ceremonial purposes. These species also occur in areas which are used for other purposes, such as agriculture and industry. Therefore, any actions undertaken as a result of this recovery plan will have social and economic consequences.

     13.1          Commercial and recreational fishing
The incidental capture of sawfish and river shark species by the commercial fishing sector is considered to be a threat to these species and it is likely that commercial fishers will experience negative consequences as a result of enacting this plan. Although it is illegal to target sawfish and river shark species in Australian waters, fishers do accidently catch these species as part of their regular activities. This plan will require them to undertake reporting of these catches, where it is not already routinely done, and also spend time in identifying and releasing captured individuals (see Kyne & Pillans, 2014 for methods on identifying and releasing sawfish and river sharks). The plan may also require changes in fishing methods to avoid capture or increase the chances of survival of captured animals as well as possible area and seasonal closures. While it is not expected that this plan will significantly impact on the commercial fishing sector as a whole, there may be some limited localised impacts due to new measures put in place. Any action in the plan that has economic impacts on fishers should be undertaken in consultation with the fishing industry and should be designed to minimise hardship.
Recreational fishers have generally been supportive of measures designed to ensure their sport is sustainable. However, the recreational sector does catch sawfish and river shark species and recreational fishing is still considered to be of concern to these species. The actions outlined in this recovery plan focus on ensuring compliance with reporting requirements and ensuring reporting mechanisms are in place to adequately assess the impact of recreational fishing on these species. Implementation of these actions will have minimal economic impact on recreational fishers, however changes in gear types may become necessary. Regular contact and consultation with fishers will be a key strategy in encouraging awareness, support and involvement in the recovery effort.

     13.2          Agriculture and industry
The agricultural and industrial sectors may also suffer negative economic and social consequences. When considering referred actions, the Minister for the Environment must not act inconsistently with any existing recovery plan. This, in effect, means that actions likely to have a significant impact on sawfish and river shark populations need to