Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2013L01506:reg:2013:p22
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2013L01506
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 2013 (pt 22/32)
Character Range: 96064–99018

to the Neptune Islands Conservation Park since 2002. The white shark is listed as a protected species under the Fisheries Management (General) Regulations 2007 providing full protection for this species in South Australian waters (DENR, 2012).

White sharks are of economic value for ecotourism (boat watching, aerial observations and cage diving), which has the potential to increase coastal community income. However, berleying to attract white sharks may affect their behaviour and therefore Bruce & Bradford (2011) have recommended that the amount of berleying allowed be reduced or capped to minimise further white shark behavioural impacts.

13.4 International trade in shark products

Despite listing on CITES under Appendix II and on Appendices of the CMS, illegal trade still poses a threat to the global and Australian populations of white sharks. Traded products
derived from white sharks include fins, jaws, teeth and meat (fresh, frozen or salted for human consumption), cartilage (used as a health food product), oil and hide (for leather products). White shark body parts are of considerable value (Malcolm et al., 2001; CITES, 2004d) and can be bought and sold via the internet. Despite stricter regulations on a national and international scale, the high prices obtained for white shark products provide some incentive
for illegal trade.

Illegal fishers generally target larger sharks for their teeth and jaws and this could have
a significant, long-term impact on population numbers. As female white sharks reach
sexual maturity at approximately 4.5 to 5 metres long — compared to males that reach
sexual maturity at smaller sizes — it is the reproductively active females and larger males
that are being targeted.

The impact of shark finning on global shark numbers has driven international concern over recent times. While finning bans are in place in Australian waters, it is likely that white sharks are caught in international waters as part of the fin trade.

13.5 Habitat modification/degradation

Habitat degradation (development, pollution and overfishing) also threatens this species and may largely exclude it from areas, perhaps traditionally utilised for feeding or as nurseries, where it was historically much more abundant. As near-coast areas are often a preferred habitat (Fergusson et al., 2009), white shark populations could be adversely affected by coastal habitat degradation and anthropogenic activities in these regions (CITES, 2004d). As habitats critical to the survival of the species are identified, there is potential for developments to be restricted under the EPBC Act development assessment and approval process.

14 Duration and cost of the recovery process

It is anticipated that the recovery process will not be achieved prior to the scheduled
five year review of the recovery plan. The 2013 Recovery Plan for the White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias) in Australia will therefore remain in