Don't target sharks in shark refuge areas

shark refuge areas © DPIPWE Fishing

Sharks Refuge Areas (SRA) are important areas set aside for sharks and rays to breed with minimum disturbance.

Fishing for, or taking sharks, skates or rays in shark refuge areas is prohibited.

If a person accidentally catches a shark in a refuge area, it is a defence under fisheries legislation to immediately return the shark to the water.

DON'T BE A POSER! A person using large baited hooks or other gear designed for shark fishing in a shark refuge may not be able to establish the shark was caught accidentally, even if it was released. Posing for photos with sharks in an SRA may also not be covered as the shark was not immediately returned to the water. The handling and time you take to pose with the shark may be enough to affect the breeding outcomes of that shark or ray. You can also be prosecuted for illegal shark fishing and heavy fines may apply.