Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2014L01089:reg:20:p12
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2014L01089
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 20 (pt 12/33)
Character Range: 44063–52344

Core government business
4.2     Maintain review processes by state governments of the effect of shark control programs on the grey nurse shark.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1          • Levels of grey nurse shark mortality/interaction during shark control activities are quantified.                                                                                                                     State governments                                 Core government business
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • In areas where there is regular mortality/interaction with grey nurse sharks during shark control activities, seasonal trends in interactions are monitored.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Options that may facilitate a reduction in grey nurse shark captures at locations where there is regular interaction/mortality of grey nurse sharks during shark control activities are identified.
4.3     Continue to evaluate alternatives to shark meshing/drumlining, where bycatch levels are high, including the use of non-lethal methods or alternate strategies.                                                                                                                                                                                 1          • Alternatives are evaluated and implemented if effective.                                                                                                                                                             State governments and relevant research agencies  Core government business
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • The use of beach meshing nets and drumlines to decline as alternatives become available.
4.4     Establish and implement uniform minimum standards for the continued biological, pathological, genetic, toxicological and other post-mortem data recording and sampling of grey nurse sharks caught in shark control programs, using well established protocols. Develop a national database to collect this information (link to action 4.1).  2          • Minimum standards for data collection developed and agreed.                                                                                                                                                          State governments and relevant research agencies
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Contracts with shark meshing and drum line contractors modified to require retention and delivery to governments and research agencies of all grey nurse sharks killed in beach safety mesh nets and on drum lines.
4.5     Develop a photo-tagging program for grey nurse sharks caught and released in shark control programs, in conjunction with existing programs.                                                                                                                                                                                                    2          • Photo-tagging program developed.                                                                                                                                                                                     State governments and relevant research agencies
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Released sharks photo-tagged.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Post-release survival of released sharks monitored.

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

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Indicative costing
Action  Description                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Priority  Performance Criteria                                                                                Responsible agencies and potential partners                     Only priority 1 actions are costed
5.1     Review and assess the effectiveness of voluntary and regulated diving arrangements, in relation to viewing grey nurse sharks in their natural habitat, to ensure associated impacts continue to be minimised. Promote a consistent approach, where possible, among sites and across jurisdictions.   3          • Code of conduct fully implemented and adopted by industry.                                       DoE, state governments, and stakeholders
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • An assessment undertaken of the use and effectiveness of the code of conduct by dive operators.
5.2     Ensure that any new, non-scuba diving related tourist operations aimed at viewing grey nurse sharks have effective management arrangements to minimise impacts.                                                                                                                                      3          • Majority of grey nurse shark sightings by tour groups reported.                                  DoE, state governments, research agencies and tourism industry
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • Standard operating procedures for non-scuba tour operators developed and in place.

         Objective