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National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks (Shark-plan)
In recognition of the expanding global catch of sharks and the potential negative impacts on shark populations, an International Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks (IPOA-Sharks) was adopted by the 23rd session of the UN FAO Committee on Fisheries in 1999.
Sharks generally have a low reproduction rate, mature late and have small populations. As a result, sharks may be susceptible to overfishing and slow to recover if overfished. As shark has a relatively low market value (excluding fins), countries may not manage their shark fisheries as effectively as those for higher valued species.
The IPOA-Sharks is a voluntary international instrument developed so that nations can take positive action to ensure the conservation and management of sharks and their long-term sustainable use.
Australia’s own Shark-plan
As a member of the UN FAO, Australia committed to producing its own Shark-plan. The Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has responsibility for coordinating the development and review of the Shark-plan. The Shark-plan was developed by a Shark Advisory Group comprising of representatives from the:
- Relevant Australian Government and State and Territory agencies
- Commercial fishing industry
- Recreational fishing groups
- Indigenous groups
- Scientific agencies
- Conservation groups.
The Shark-plan is based on the findings of the Shark Assessment Report which was completed in 2001.
The Shark-plan recognises that while Australia is not a major shark fishing nation, it is acknowledged that sharks are an important part of the total quantity of Australia’s wild fish production and that Australian vessels regularly take sharks as target and non-target catch.
In addition to commercial fishing, sharks may be captured by recreational fishers, shark control devices for bather protection and the aquarium trade. Sharks are also of cultural and spiritual significance to Australian Indigenous people. The spiritual connection to shark varies regionally.
Sharks are valued for their contribution to the marine environment where they often fill the role of peak predator. Legislation in some States and the Commonwealth provides for the listing and protection of threatened shark species. Currently there are nine shark species that are protected in Australian waters.
The resultant Shark-plan aims to address shark conservation and management issues through six key themes:
- Reviewing existing conservation and management measures
- Improving conservation and management measures
- Changes to data collection and handling
- Research and development
- Education or awareness raising, and
- Improved coordination and consultation.
The Shark-plan was endorsed by the Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council on 16 April 2004.
More information visit FAO website
- Shark-plan Report
PDF [638kb] Brochure PDF [1.16mb]
- Shark Assessment Report PDF [3mb]
Attachment A PDF [3mb]
Attachment B PDF [2mb]
Attachment C PDF [2mb]
Attachment D PDF [3mb]
