Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2014L01089:reg:20:p8
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2014L01089
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 20 (pt 8/33)
Character Range: 21567–24612

pollution and disease and ecosystem effects as a result of habitat modification and climate change—including changes in sea temperature and ocean acidification.

7 Populations that require protective measures
Both the Australian east coast population (currently listed as critically endangered under the EPBC Act) and the west coast population (currently listed as vulnerable under the EPBC Act) are covered under this recovery plan.

Differences in genetic structure have been shown to exist between eastern and western populations, inferring limited or zero dispersal between these populations (Stow et al., 2006). The isolation of the Australian grey nurse shark populations has important implications for the conservation management of this species, as natural migration—and therefore replenishment of diminished populations—between the two Australian populations and/or those of other locations is not expected to occur.

8 Objectives
The overarching objective of this recovery plan is to assist the recovery of the grey nurse shark in the wild, throughout its range in Australian waters, with a view to:

  • improving the population status, leading to future removal of the grey nurse shark from the threatened species list of the EPBC Act

  • ensuring that anthropogenic activities do not hinder the recovery of the grey nurse shark in the near future, or impact on the conservation status of the species in the future.

As the east coast population is considered to be critically endangered, this population will be the primary focus of the actions outlined in this plan, with an emphasis placed on monitoring and compliance. Although the proposed actions are still relevant to the west coast population, further information is required to better understand the status of the population and the importance of critical habitat sites to that population.

The specific objectives of this recovery plan are to:

       Objective 1:  Develop and apply quantitative monitoring of the population status (distribution and abundance) and potential recovery of the grey nurse shark in Australian waters.

       Objective 2:  Quantify and reduce the impact of commercial fishing on the grey nurse shark through incidental (accidental and/or illegal) take, throughout its range.

       Objective 3:  Quantify and reduce the impact of recreational fishing on the grey nurse shark through incidental (accidental and/or illegal) take, throughout its range.

       Objective 4:  Where practicable, minimise the impact of shark control activities on the grey nurse shark.

       Objective 5:  Investigate and manage the impact of ecotourism on the grey nurse shark.

       Objective 6:  Manage the impact of aquarium collection on the grey nurse shark.

       Objective 7:  Improve understanding of the threat of pollution and disease to the grey nurse shark.

       Objective 8:  Continue to identify and protect habitat critical to the survival of the grey nurse shark and reduce the impact of threatening processes within these areas.