Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2014L01089:reg:20:p27
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2014L01089
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 20 (pt 27/33)
Character Range: 107135–111374

the Commonwealth on a regular basis.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  However, if the state does not have an MOU in place with the Commonwealth for protected species reporting then it remains the responsibility of the fisher to report directly to the Commonwealth.
A.6. Ensure that existing observer programs operating in relevant fisheries record interactions with grey nurse shark.                                                                                             • Observer programs collect data on grey nurse shark interactions.                             Action is mostly complete and ongoing. Most jurisdictions now have fishery observers in a number of fisheries that record information on target catch, bycatch and protected species interactions. The level of coverage varies between jurisdictions and fisheries, but gives some indication of the interactions with grey nurse sharks. However, given the limited coverage of observers in most state fisheries and the low incidence of grey nurse shark interactions, caution needs to be taken when using the observer data to support conclusions on the level of incidental capture of grey nurse sharks due to interactions with the commercial fishing sector.

A.7. Improve education of commercial fishers about protected grey nurse sharks.                                                                                                                                    • Information sheets/posters provided to commercial fishers.                                   Action is mostly complete and ongoing. A range of communication activities focused on the grey nurse shark have been delivered to commercial fishers. However, to date there has been no comprehensive assessment of the effectiveness of these activities.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                   • Education programs promoted by commercial fishers and fishing agencies on grey nurse shark.
A.8. All fishers where there is a risk of capture of grey nurse sharks in Commonwealth waters are to prepare bycatch management arrangements that minimise take and for these to be assessed under the EPBC Act.   • Bycatch management arrangements assessed and approved.                                       Action is complete. When Commonwealth Fisheries Management plans are made or reviewed they must consider provisions to avoid mortality of, or injuries to, protected marine species.

B. Reduce the impact of recreational fishing on grey nurse sharks.
Prescribed Action                                                                                            Criteria for Success                                                                                    2009 Review of Actions
B.1. Encourage recreational fishers to record and report grey nurse shark catches and sightings including:   • Report detailing catch levels is prepared.                                                            Action partially completed. Under the EPBC Act, it is compulsory for all interactions with protected species in Commonwealth waters to be reported to the Commonwealth. However, although the legislation differs between states, reporting of incidents with protected species is not legally required in Queensland, Western Australia or New South Wales.
 • location
 • biological data.

These data should be assessed to determine historic and current level of catches and sightings.
B.2. Improve education of recreational fishers about protected grey nurse sharks. See action J.1.            • Information sheets/posters published in shops, boat ramps and magazines.                              Action completed but no indication of the effectiveness of the campaigns.
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