❓ A WA parliamentary question on notice addresses the state of whiskery shark and school shark populations in Western Australian waters, including breeding stock numbers, threats, and management strategies. The Minister provides data and outlines actions taken to protect shark species.
AnsweredQoN 749Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
WHISKERY SHARKS — STOCK PROTECTION
I thought that the house would be interested in my question about the whiskery shark. With regards to the two recent amendments to the fishing management plans seeking to protect breeding stocks of whiskery shark — (1) What is the state of the breeding stock of the whiskery shark in Western Australian waters? (2) What has been the estimated breeding stock numbers per year over the past 10 years? (3) What are the threats to the whiskery shark breeding stocks? (4) Are any other school shark populations under pressure from overfishing in Western Australia? (5) If yes to (4), which species of shark and why are they under pressure? The PRESIDENT : The minister for whiskery sharks! Hon NORMAN MOORE
I thought that the house would be interested in my question about the whiskery shark. With regards to the two recent amendments to the fishing management plans seeking to protect breeding stocks of whiskery shark — (1) What is the state of the breeding stock of the whiskery shark in Western Australian waters? (2) What has been the estimated breeding stock numbers per year over the past 10 years? (3) What are the threats to the whiskery shark breeding stocks? (4) Are any other school shark populations under pressure from overfishing in Western Australia? (5) If yes to (4), which species of shark and why are they under pressure? The PRESIDENT : The minister for whiskery sharks! Hon NORMAN MOORE
AnswerView source ↗
Thank you, Mr President! I thank the member for this question about my favourite subject. (1) The most recent assessment of Western Australia’s whiskery shark stock status that is currently available was completed in 2007. The best estimate of the breeding stock biomass was 24 per cent of its unexploited level. (2) According to the last assessment, the best estimates of breeding stock were 25 per cent in 1996-97, 24 per cent in 1997-98, 23 per cent in 1998-99, 22 per cent in 1999-2000, 21 per cent in 2000-01, 21 per cent in 2001-02, 22 per cent in 2002-03, 25 per cent in 2003-04, and 24 per cent in 2004-05 and 2005-06. (3) The main source of whiskery shark exploitation is the commercial demersal gillnet and demersal longline fishing industry. Under the current management arrangements, the threats to the whiskery shark stocks are now considered negligible. (4) No. School shark—I will not even try to pronounce the Latin name—catches by all Western Australian fisheries are limited to 6.2 per cent of the commonwealth government administered total allowable catch. This is determined by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority’s rebuilding strategy for this species. As WA catches have not exceeded the prescribed level—currently 15 tonnes per year—they are not considered to pose a threat to the species’ recovery. However, if the honourable member intends to ask me whether any other shark species are under pressure from overfishing in WA, the answer is yes. I refer the member to answer (5). (5) Other shark species captured by WA fishers considered to be under pressure include dusky whalers and sandbar sharks. However, significant actions taken by governments to address this include setting a maximum size limit for dusky sharks, prohibiting the use of metal trace wire and large hooks that have been used to target large sharks, reducing entitlement values with the objective of capping effort at 2001-02 levels, and setting more explicit effort level ceilings for each management zone.
With regards to the two recent amendments to the fishing management plans seeking to protect breeding stocks of whiskery shark — (1) What is the state of the breeding stock of the whiskery shark in Western Australian waters? (2) What has been the estimated breeding stock numbers per year over the past 10 years? (3) What are the threats to the whiskery shark breeding stocks? (4) Are any other school shark populations under pressure from overfishing in Western Australia? (5) If yes to (4), which species of shark and why are they under pressure? The PRESIDENT : The minister for whiskery sharks! Hon NORMAN MOORE replied: Thank you, Mr President! I thank the member for this question about my favourite subject. (1) The most recent assessment of Western Australia’s whiskery shark stock status that is currently available was completed in 2007. The best estimate of the breeding stock biomass was 24 per cent of its unexploited level. (2) According to the last assessment, the best estimates of breeding stock were 25 per cent in 1996-97, 24 per cent in 1997-98, 23 per cent in 1998-99, 22 per cent in 1999-2000, 21 per cent in 2000-01, 21 per cent in 2001-02, 22 per cent in 2002-03, 25 per cent in 2003-04, and 24 per cent in 2004-05 and 2005-06. (3) The main source of whiskery shark exploitation is the commercial demersal gillnet and demersal longline fishing industry. Under the current management arrangements, the threats to the whiskery shark stocks are now considered negligible. (4) No. School shark—I will not even try to pronounce the Latin name—catches by all Western Australian fisheries are limited to 6.2 per cent of the commonwealth government administered total allowable catch. This is determined by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority’s rebuilding strategy for this species. As WA catches have not exceeded the prescribed level—currently 15 tonnes per year—they are not considered to pose a threat to the species’ recovery. However, if the honourable member intends to ask me whether any other shark species are under pressure from overfishing in WA, the answer is yes. I refer the member to answer (5). (5) Other shark species captured by WA fishers considered to be under pressure include dusky whalers and sandbar sharks. However, significant actions taken by governments to address this include setting a maximum size limit for dusky sharks, prohibiting the use of metal trace wire and large hooks that have been used to target large sharks, reducing entitlement values with the objective of capping effort at 2001-02 levels, and setting more explicit effort level ceilings for each management zone.
(1) What is the state of the breeding stock of the whiskery shark in Western Australian waters? (2) What has been the estimated breeding stock numbers per year over the past 10 years? (3) What are the threats to the whiskery shark breeding stocks? (4) Are any other school shark populations under pressure from overfishing in Western Australia? (5) If yes to (4), which species of shark and why are they under pressure? The PRESIDENT : The minister for whiskery sharks! Hon NORMAN MOORE replied: Thank you, Mr President! I thank the member for this question about my favourite subject. (1) The most recent assessment of Western Australia’s whiskery shark stock status that is currently available was completed in 2007. The best estimate of the breeding stock biomass was 24 per cent of its unexploited level. (2) According to the last assessment, the best estimates of breeding stock were 25 per cent in 1996-97, 24 per cent in 1997-98, 23 per cent in 1998-99, 22 per cent in 1999-2000, 21 per cent in 2000-01, 21 per cent in 2001-02, 22 per cent in 2002-03, 25 per cent in 2003-04, and 24 per cent in 2004-05 and 2005-06. (3) The main source of whiskery shark exploitation is the commercial demersal gillnet and demersal longline fishing industry. Under the current management arrangements, the threats to the whiskery shark stocks are now considered negligible. (4) No. School shark—I will not even try to pronounce the Latin name—catches by all Western Australian fisheries are limited to 6.2 per cent of the commonwealth government administered total allowable catch. This is determined by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority’s rebuilding strategy for this species. As WA catches have not exceeded the prescribed level—currently 15 tonnes per year—they are not considered to pose a threat to the species’ recovery. However, if the honourable member intends to ask me whether any other shark species are under pressure from overfishing in WA, the answer is yes. I refer the member to answer (5). (5) Other shark species captured by WA fishers considered to be under pressure include dusky whalers and sandbar sharks. However, significant actions taken by governments to address this include setting a maximum size limit for dusky sharks, prohibiting the use of metal trace wire and large hooks that have been used to target large sharks, reducing entitlement values with the objective of capping effort at 2001-02 levels, and setting more explicit effort level ceilings for each management zone.
(2) What has been the estimated breeding stock numbers per year over the past 10 years? (3) What are the threats to the whiskery shark breeding stocks? (4) Are any other school shark populations under pressure from overfishing in Western Australia? (5) If yes to (4), which species of shark and why are they under pressure? The PRESIDENT : The minister for whiskery sharks! Hon NORMAN MOORE replied: Thank you, Mr President! I thank the member for this question about my favourite subject. (1) The most recent assessment of Western Australia’s whiskery shark stock status that is currently available was completed in 2007. The best estimate of the breeding stock biomass was 24 per cent of its unexploited level. (2) According to the last assessment, the best estimates of breeding stock were 25 per cent in 1996-97, 24 per cent in 1997-98, 23 per cent in 1998-99, 22 per cent in 1999-2000, 21 per cent in 2000-01, 21 per cent in 2001-02, 22 per cent in 2002-03, 25 per cent in 2003-04, and 24 per cent in 2004-05 and 2005-06. (3) The main source of whiskery shark exploitation is the commercial demersal gillnet and demersal longline fishing industry. Under the current management arrangements, the threats to the whiskery shark stocks are now considered negligible. (4) No. School shark—I will not even try to pronounce the Latin name—catches by all Western Australian fisheries are limited to 6.2 per cent of the commonwealth government administered total allowable catch. This is determined by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority’s rebuilding strategy for this species. As WA catches have not exceeded the prescribed level—currently 15 tonnes per year—they are not considered to pose a threat to the species’ recovery. However, if the honourable member intends to ask me whether any other shark species are under pressure from overfishing in WA, the answer is yes. I refer the member to answer (5). (5) Other shark species captured by WA fishers considered to be under pressure include dusky whalers and sandbar sharks. However, significant actions taken by governments to address this include setting a maximum size limit for dusky sharks, prohibiting the use of metal trace wire and large hooks that have been used to target large sharks, reducing entitlement values with the objective of capping effort at 2001-02 levels, and setting more explicit effort level ceilings for each management zone.
(3) What are the threats to the whiskery shark breeding stocks? (4) Are any other school shark populations under pressure from overfishing in Western Australia? (5) If yes to (4), which species of shark and why are they under pressure? The PRESIDENT : The minister for whiskery sharks! Hon NORMAN MOORE replied: Thank you, Mr President! I thank the member for this question about my favourite subject. (1) The most recent assessment of Western Australia’s whiskery shark stock status that is currently available was completed in 2007. The best estimate of the breeding stock biomass was 24 per cent of its unexploited level. (2) According to the last assessment, the best estimates of breeding stock were 25 per cent in 1996-97, 24 per cent in 1997-98, 23 per cent in 1998-99, 22 per cent in 1999-2000, 21 per cent in 2000-01, 21 per cent in 2001-02, 22 per cent in 2002-03, 25 per cent in 2003-04, and 24 per cent in 2004-05 and 2005-06. (3) The main source of whiskery shark exploitation is the commercial demersal gillnet and demersal longline fishing industry. Under the current management arrangements, the threats to the whiskery shark stocks are now considered negligible. (4) No. School shark—I will not even try to pronounce the Latin name—catches by all Western Australian fisheries are limited to 6.2 per cent of the commonwealth government administered total allowable catch. This is determined by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority’s rebuilding strategy for this species. As WA catches have not exceeded the prescribed level—currently 15 tonnes per year—they are not considered to pose a threat to the species’ recovery. However, if the honourable member intends to ask me whether any other shark species are under pressure from overfishing in WA, the answer is yes. I refer the member to answer (5). (5) Other shark species captured by WA fishers considered to be under pressure include dusky whalers and sandbar sharks. However, significant actions taken by governments to address this include setting a maximum size limit for dusky sharks, prohibiting the use of metal trace wire and large hooks that have been used to target large sharks, reducing entitlement values with the objective of capping effort at 2001-02 levels, and setting more explicit effort level ceilings for each management zone.
(4) Are any other school shark populations under pressure from overfishing in Western Australia? (5) If yes to (4), which species of shark and why are they under pressure? The PRESIDENT : The minister for whiskery sharks! Hon NORMAN MOORE replied: Thank you, Mr President! I thank the member for this question about my favourite subject. (1) The most recent assessment of Western Australia’s whiskery shark stock status that is currently available was completed in 2007. The best estimate of the breeding stock biomass was 24 per cent of its unexploited level. (2) According to the last assessment, the best estimates of breeding stock were 25 per cent in 1996-97, 24 per cent in 1997-98, 23 per cent in 1998-99, 22 per cent in 1999-2000, 21 per cent in 2000-01, 21 per cent in 2001-02, 22 per cent in 2002-03, 25 per cent in 2003-04, and 24 per cent in 2004-05 and 2005-06. (3) The main source of whiskery shark exploitation is the commercial demersal gillnet and demersal longline fishing industry. Under the current management arrangements, the threats to the whiskery shark stocks are now considered negligible. (4) No. School shark—I will not even try to pronounce the Latin name—catches by all Western Australian fisheries are limited to 6.2 per cent of the commonwealth government administered total allowable catch. This is determined by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority’s rebuilding strategy for this species. As WA catches have not exceeded the prescribed level—currently 15 tonnes per year—they are not considered to pose a threat to the species’ recovery. However, if the honourable member intends to ask me whether any other shark species are under pressure from overfishing in WA, the answer is yes. I refer the member to answer (5). (5) Other shark species captured by WA fishers considered to be under pressure include dusky whalers and sandbar sharks. However, significant actions taken by governments to address this include setting a maximum size limit for dusky sharks, prohibiting the use of metal trace wire and large hooks that have been used to target large sharks, reducing entitlement values with the objective of capping effort at 2001-02 levels, and setting more explicit effort level ceilings for each management zone.
(5) If yes to (4), which species of shark and why are they under pressure? The PRESIDENT : The minister for whiskery sharks! Hon NORMAN MOORE replied: Thank you, Mr President! I thank the member for this question about my favourite subject. (1) The most recent assessment of Western Australia’s whiskery shark stock status that is currently available was completed in 2007. The best estimate of the breeding stock biomass was 24 per cent of its unexploited level. (2) According to the last assessment, the best estimates of breeding stock were 25 per cent in 1996-97, 24 per cent in 1997-98, 23 per cent in 1998-99, 22 per cent in 1999-2000, 21 per cent in 2000-01, 21 per cent in 2001-02, 22 per cent in 2002-03, 25 per cent in 2003-04, and 24 per cent in 2004-05 and 2005-06. (3) The main source of whiskery shark exploitation is the commercial demersal gillnet and demersal longline fishing industry. Under the current management arrangements, the threats to the whiskery shark stocks are now considered negligible. (4) No. School shark—I will not even try to pronounce the Latin name—catches by all Western Australian fisheries are limited to 6.2 per cent of the commonwealth government administered total allowable catch. This is determined by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority’s rebuilding strategy for this species. As WA catches have not exceeded the prescribed level—currently 15 tonnes per year—they are not considered to pose a threat to the species’ recovery. However, if the honourable member intends to ask me whether any other shark species are under pressure from overfishing in WA, the answer is yes. I refer the member to answer (5). (5) Other shark species captured by WA fishers considered to be under pressure include dusky whalers and sandbar sharks. However, significant actions taken by governments to address this include setting a maximum size limit for dusky sharks, prohibiting the use of metal trace wire and large hooks that have been used to target large sharks, reducing entitlement values with the objective of capping effort at 2001-02 levels, and setting more explicit effort level ceilings for each management zone.
The PRESIDENT : The minister for whiskery sharks! Hon NORMAN MOORE replied: Thank you, Mr President! I thank the member for this question about my favourite subject. (1) The most recent assessment of Western Australia’s whiskery shark stock status that is currently available was completed in 2007. The best estimate of the breeding stock biomass was 24 per cent of its unexploited level. (2) According to the last assessment, the best estimates of breeding stock were 25 per cent in 1996-97, 24 per cent in 1997-98, 23 per cent in 1998-99, 22 per cent in 1999-2000, 21 per cent in 2000-01, 21 per cent in 2001-02, 22 per cent in 2002-03, 25 per cent in 2003-04, and 24 per cent in 2004-05 and 2005-06. (3) The main source of whiskery shark exploitation is the commercial demersal gillnet and demersal longline fishing industry. Under the current management arrangements, the threats to the whiskery shark stocks are now considered negligible. (4) No. School shark—I will not even try to pronounce the Latin name—catches by all Western Australian fisheries are limited to 6.2 per cent of the commonwealth government administered total allowable catch. This is determined by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority’s rebuilding strategy for this species. As WA catches have not exceeded the prescribed level—currently 15 tonnes per year—they are not considered to pose a threat to the species’ recovery. However, if the honourable member intends to ask me whether any other shark species are under pressure from overfishing in WA, the answer is yes. I refer the member to answer (5). (5) Other shark species captured by WA fishers considered to be under pressure include dusky whalers and sandbar sharks. However, significant actions taken by governments to address this include setting a maximum size limit for dusky sharks, prohibiting the use of metal trace wire and large hooks that have been used to target large sharks, reducing entitlement values with the objective of capping effort at 2001-02 levels, and setting more explicit effort level ceilings for each management zone.
Hon NORMAN MOORE replied: Thank you, Mr President! I thank the member for this question about my favourite subject. (1) The most recent assessment of Western Australia’s whiskery shark stock status that is currently available was completed in 2007. The best estimate of the breeding stock biomass was 24 per cent of its unexploited level. (2) According to the last assessment, the best estimates of breeding stock were 25 per cent in 1996-97, 24 per cent in 1997-98, 23 per cent in 1998-99, 22 per cent in 1999-2000, 21 per cent in 2000-01, 21 per cent in 2001-02, 22 per cent in 2002-03, 25 per cent in 2003-04, and 24 per cent in 2004-05 and 2005-06. (3) The main source of whiskery shark exploitation is the commercial demersal gillnet and demersal longline fishing industry. Under the current management arrangements, the threats to the whiskery shark stocks are now considered negligible. (4) No. School shark—I will not even try to pronounce the Latin name—catches by all Western Australian fisheries are limited to 6.2 per cent of the commonwealth government administered total allowable catch. This is determined by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority’s rebuilding strategy for this species. As WA catches have not exceeded the prescribed level—currently 15 tonnes per year—they are not considered to pose a threat to the species’ recovery. However, if the honourable member intends to ask me whether any other shark species are under pressure from overfishing in WA, the answer is yes. I refer the member to answer (5). (5) Other shark species captured by WA fishers considered to be under pressure include dusky whalers and sandbar sharks. However, significant actions taken by governments to address this include setting a maximum size limit for dusky sharks, prohibiting the use of metal trace wire and large hooks that have been used to target large sharks, reducing entitlement values with the objective of capping effort at 2001-02 levels, and setting more explicit effort level ceilings for each management zone.
Thank you, Mr President! I thank the member for this question about my favourite subject. (1) The most recent assessment of Western Australia’s whiskery shark stock status that is currently available was completed in 2007. The best estimate of the breeding stock biomass was 24 per cent of its unexploited level. (2) According to the last assessment, the best estimates of breeding stock were 25 per cent in 1996-97, 24 per cent in 1997-98, 23 per cent in 1998-99, 22 per cent in 1999-2000, 21 per cent in 2000-01, 21 per cent in 2001-02, 22 per cent in 2002-03, 25 per cent in 2003-04, and 24 per cent in 2004-05 and 2005-06. (3) The main source of whiskery shark exploitation is the commercial demersal gillnet and demersal longline fishing industry. Under the current management arrangements, the threats to the whiskery shark stocks are now considered negligible. (4) No. School shark—I will not even try to pronounce the Latin name—catches by all Western Australian fisheries are limited to 6.2 per cent of the commonwealth government administered total allowable catch. This is determined by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority’s rebuilding strategy for this species. As WA catches have not exceeded the prescribed level—currently 15 tonnes per year—they are not considered to pose a threat to the species’ recovery. However, if the honourable member intends to ask me whether any other shark species are under pressure from overfishing in WA, the answer is yes. I refer the member to answer (5). (5) Other shark species captured by WA fishers considered to be under pressure include dusky whalers and sandbar sharks. However, significant actions taken by governments to address this include setting a maximum size limit for dusky sharks, prohibiting the use of metal trace wire and large hooks that have been used to target large sharks, reducing entitlement values with the objective of capping effort at 2001-02 levels, and setting more explicit effort level ceilings for each management zone.
(1) The most recent assessment of Western Australia’s whiskery shark stock status that is currently available was completed in 2007. The best estimate of the breeding stock biomass was 24 per cent of its unexploited level. (2) According to the last assessment, the best estimates of breeding stock were 25 per cent in 1996-97, 24 per cent in 1997-98, 23 per cent in 1998-99, 22 per cent in 1999-2000, 21 per cent in 2000-01, 21 per cent in 2001-02, 22 per cent in 2002-03, 25 per cent in 2003-04, and 24 per cent in 2004-05 and 2005-06. (3) The main source of whiskery shark exploitation is the commercial demersal gillnet and demersal longline fishing industry. Under the current management arrangements, the threats to the whiskery shark stocks are now considered negligible. (4) No. School shark—I will not even try to pronounce the Latin name—catches by all Western Australian fisheries are limited to 6.2 per cent of the commonwealth government administered total allowable catch. This is determined by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority’s rebuilding strategy for this species. As WA catches have not exceeded the prescribed level—currently 15 tonnes per year—they are not considered to pose a threat to the species’ recovery. However, if the honourable member intends to ask me whether any other shark species are under pressure from overfishing in WA, the answer is yes. I refer the member to answer (5). (5) Other shark species captured by WA fishers considered to be under pressure include dusky whalers and sandbar sharks. However, significant actions taken by governments to address this include setting a maximum size limit for dusky sharks, prohibiting the use of metal trace wire and large hooks that have been used to target large sharks, reducing entitlement values with the objective of capping effort at 2001-02 levels, and setting more explicit effort level ceilings for each management zone.
(2) According to the last assessment, the best estimates of breeding stock were 25 per cent in 1996-97, 24 per cent in 1997-98, 23 per cent in 1998-99, 22 per cent in 1999-2000, 21 per cent in 2000-01, 21 per cent in 2001-02, 22 per cent in 2002-03, 25 per cent in 2003-04, and 24 per cent in 2004-05 and 2005-06. (3) The main source of whiskery shark exploitation is the commercial demersal gillnet and demersal longline fishing industry. Under the current management arrangements, the threats to the whiskery shark stocks are now considered negligible. (4) No. School shark—I will not even try to pronounce the Latin name—catches by all Western Australian fisheries are limited to 6.2 per cent of the commonwealth government administered total allowable catch. This is determined by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority’s rebuilding strategy for this species. As WA catches have not exceeded the prescribed level—currently 15 tonnes per year—they are not considered to pose a threat to the species’ recovery. However, if the honourable member intends to ask me whether any other shark species are under pressure from overfishing in WA, the answer is yes. I refer the member to answer (5). (5) Other shark species captured by WA fishers considered to be under pressure include dusky whalers and sandbar sharks. However, significant actions taken by governments to address this include setting a maximum size limit for dusky sharks, prohibiting the use of metal trace wire and large hooks that have been used to target large sharks, reducing entitlement values with the objective of capping effort at 2001-02 levels, and setting more explicit effort level ceilings for each management zone.
(3) The main source of whiskery shark exploitation is the commercial demersal gillnet and demersal longline fishing industry. Under the current management arrangements, the threats to the whiskery shark stocks are now considered negligible. (4) No. School shark—I will not even try to pronounce the Latin name—catches by all Western Australian fisheries are limited to 6.2 per cent of the commonwealth government administered total allowable catch. This is determined by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority’s rebuilding strategy for this species. As WA catches have not exceeded the prescribed level—currently 15 tonnes per year—they are not considered to pose a threat to the species’ recovery. However, if the honourable member intends to ask me whether any other shark species are under pressure from overfishing in WA, the answer is yes. I refer the member to answer (5). (5) Other shark species captured by WA fishers considered to be under pressure include dusky whalers and sandbar sharks. However, significant actions taken by governments to address this include setting a maximum size limit for dusky sharks, prohibiting the use of metal trace wire and large hooks that have been used to target large sharks, reducing entitlement values with the objective of capping effort at 2001-02 levels, and setting more explicit effort level ceilings for each management zone.
(4) No. School shark—I will not even try to pronounce the Latin name—catches by all Western Australian fisheries are limited to 6.2 per cent of the commonwealth government administered total allowable catch. This is determined by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority’s rebuilding strategy for this species. As WA catches have not exceeded the prescribed level—currently 15 tonnes per year—they are not considered to pose a threat to the species’ recovery. However, if the honourable member intends to ask me whether any other shark species are under pressure from overfishing in WA, the answer is yes. I refer the member to answer (5). (5) Other shark species captured by WA fishers considered to be under pressure include dusky whalers and sandbar sharks. However, significant actions taken by governments to address this include setting a maximum size limit for dusky sharks, prohibiting the use of metal trace wire and large hooks that have been used to target large sharks, reducing entitlement values with the objective of capping effort at 2001-02 levels, and setting more explicit effort level ceilings for each management zone.
(5) Other shark species captured by WA fishers considered to be under pressure include dusky whalers and sandbar sharks. However, significant actions taken by governments to address this include setting a maximum size limit for dusky sharks, prohibiting the use of metal trace wire and large hooks that have been used to target large sharks, reducing entitlement values with the objective of capping effort at 2001-02 levels, and setting more explicit effort level ceilings for each management zone.
With regards to the two recent amendments to the fishing management plans seeking to protect breeding stocks of whiskery shark — (1) What is the state of the breeding stock of the whiskery shark in Western Australian waters? (2) What has been the estimated breeding stock numbers per year over the past 10 years? (3) What are the threats to the whiskery shark breeding stocks? (4) Are any other school shark populations under pressure from overfishing in Western Australia? (5) If yes to (4), which species of shark and why are they under pressure? The PRESIDENT : The minister for whiskery sharks! Hon NORMAN MOORE replied: Thank you, Mr President! I thank the member for this question about my favourite subject. (1) The most recent assessment of Western Australia’s whiskery shark stock status that is currently available was completed in 2007. The best estimate of the breeding stock biomass was 24 per cent of its unexploited level. (2) According to the last assessment, the best estimates of breeding stock were 25 per cent in 1996-97, 24 per cent in 1997-98, 23 per cent in 1998-99, 22 per cent in 1999-2000, 21 per cent in 2000-01, 21 per cent in 2001-02, 22 per cent in 2002-03, 25 per cent in 2003-04, and 24 per cent in 2004-05 and 2005-06. (3) The main source of whiskery shark exploitation is the commercial demersal gillnet and demersal longline fishing industry. Under the current management arrangements, the threats to the whiskery shark stocks are now considered negligible. (4) No. School shark—I will not even try to pronounce the Latin name—catches by all Western Australian fisheries are limited to 6.2 per cent of the commonwealth government administered total allowable catch. This is determined by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority’s rebuilding strategy for this species. As WA catches have not exceeded the prescribed level—currently 15 tonnes per year—they are not considered to pose a threat to the species’ recovery. However, if the honourable member intends to ask me whether any other shark species are under pressure from overfishing in WA, the answer is yes. I refer the member to answer (5). (5) Other shark species captured by WA fishers considered to be under pressure include dusky whalers and sandbar sharks. However, significant actions taken by governments to address this include setting a maximum size limit for dusky sharks, prohibiting the use of metal trace wire and large hooks that have been used to target large sharks, reducing entitlement values with the objective of capping effort at 2001-02 levels, and setting more explicit effort level ceilings for each management zone.
(1) What is the state of the breeding stock of the whiskery shark in Western Australian waters? (2) What has been the estimated breeding stock numbers per year over the past 10 years? (3) What are the threats to the whiskery shark breeding stocks? (4) Are any other school shark populations under pressure from overfishing in Western Australia? (5) If yes to (4), which species of shark and why are they under pressure? The PRESIDENT : The minister for whiskery sharks! Hon NORMAN MOORE replied: Thank you, Mr President! I thank the member for this question about my favourite subject. (1) The most recent assessment of Western Australia’s whiskery shark stock status that is currently available was completed in 2007. The best estimate of the breeding stock biomass was 24 per cent of its unexploited level. (2) According to the last assessment, the best estimates of breeding stock were 25 per cent in 1996-97, 24 per cent in 1997-98, 23 per cent in 1998-99, 22 per cent in 1999-2000, 21 per cent in 2000-01, 21 per cent in 2001-02, 22 per cent in 2002-03, 25 per cent in 2003-04, and 24 per cent in 2004-05 and 2005-06. (3) The main source of whiskery shark exploitation is the commercial demersal gillnet and demersal longline fishing industry. Under the current management arrangements, the threats to the whiskery shark stocks are now considered negligible. (4) No. School shark—I will not even try to pronounce the Latin name—catches by all Western Australian fisheries are limited to 6.2 per cent of the commonwealth government administered total allowable catch. This is determined by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority’s rebuilding strategy for this species. As WA catches have not exceeded the prescribed level—currently 15 tonnes per year—they are not considered to pose a threat to the species’ recovery. However, if the honourable member intends to ask me whether any other shark species are under pressure from overfishing in WA, the answer is yes. I refer the member to answer (5). (5) Other shark species captured by WA fishers considered to be under pressure include dusky whalers and sandbar sharks. However, significant actions taken by governments to address this include setting a maximum size limit for dusky sharks, prohibiting the use of metal trace wire and large hooks that have been used to target large sharks, reducing entitlement values with the objective of capping effort at 2001-02 levels, and setting more explicit effort level ceilings for each management zone.
(2) What has been the estimated breeding stock numbers per year over the past 10 years? (3) What are the threats to the whiskery shark breeding stocks? (4) Are any other school shark populations under pressure from overfishing in Western Australia? (5) If yes to (4), which species of shark and why are they under pressure? The PRESIDENT : The minister for whiskery sharks! Hon NORMAN MOORE replied: Thank you, Mr President! I thank the member for this question about my favourite subject. (1) The most recent assessment of Western Australia’s whiskery shark stock status that is currently available was completed in 2007. The best estimate of the breeding stock biomass was 24 per cent of its unexploited level. (2) According to the last assessment, the best estimates of breeding stock were 25 per cent in 1996-97, 24 per cent in 1997-98, 23 per cent in 1998-99, 22 per cent in 1999-2000, 21 per cent in 2000-01, 21 per cent in 2001-02, 22 per cent in 2002-03, 25 per cent in 2003-04, and 24 per cent in 2004-05 and 2005-06. (3) The main source of whiskery shark exploitation is the commercial demersal gillnet and demersal longline fishing industry. Under the current management arrangements, the threats to the whiskery shark stocks are now considered negligible. (4) No. School shark—I will not even try to pronounce the Latin name—catches by all Western Australian fisheries are limited to 6.2 per cent of the commonwealth government administered total allowable catch. This is determined by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority’s rebuilding strategy for this species. As WA catches have not exceeded the prescribed level—currently 15 tonnes per year—they are not considered to pose a threat to the species’ recovery. However, if the honourable member intends to ask me whether any other shark species are under pressure from overfishing in WA, the answer is yes. I refer the member to answer (5). (5) Other shark species captured by WA fishers considered to be under pressure include dusky whalers and sandbar sharks. However, significant actions taken by governments to address this include setting a maximum size limit for dusky sharks, prohibiting the use of metal trace wire and large hooks that have been used to target large sharks, reducing entitlement values with the objective of capping effort at 2001-02 levels, and setting more explicit effort level ceilings for each management zone.
(3) What are the threats to the whiskery shark breeding stocks? (4) Are any other school shark populations under pressure from overfishing in Western Australia? (5) If yes to (4), which species of shark and why are they under pressure? The PRESIDENT : The minister for whiskery sharks! Hon NORMAN MOORE replied: Thank you, Mr President! I thank the member for this question about my favourite subject. (1) The most recent assessment of Western Australia’s whiskery shark stock status that is currently available was completed in 2007. The best estimate of the breeding stock biomass was 24 per cent of its unexploited level. (2) According to the last assessment, the best estimates of breeding stock were 25 per cent in 1996-97, 24 per cent in 1997-98, 23 per cent in 1998-99, 22 per cent in 1999-2000, 21 per cent in 2000-01, 21 per cent in 2001-02, 22 per cent in 2002-03, 25 per cent in 2003-04, and 24 per cent in 2004-05 and 2005-06. (3) The main source of whiskery shark exploitation is the commercial demersal gillnet and demersal longline fishing industry. Under the current management arrangements, the threats to the whiskery shark stocks are now considered negligible. (4) No. School shark—I will not even try to pronounce the Latin name—catches by all Western Australian fisheries are limited to 6.2 per cent of the commonwealth government administered total allowable catch. This is determined by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority’s rebuilding strategy for this species. As WA catches have not exceeded the prescribed level—currently 15 tonnes per year—they are not considered to pose a threat to the species’ recovery. However, if the honourable member intends to ask me whether any other shark species are under pressure from overfishing in WA, the answer is yes. I refer the member to answer (5). (5) Other shark species captured by WA fishers considered to be under pressure include dusky whalers and sandbar sharks. However, significant actions taken by governments to address this include setting a maximum size limit for dusky sharks, prohibiting the use of metal trace wire and large hooks that have been used to target large sharks, reducing entitlement values with the objective of capping effort at 2001-02 levels, and setting more explicit effort level ceilings for each management zone.
(4) Are any other school shark populations under pressure from overfishing in Western Australia? (5) If yes to (4), which species of shark and why are they under pressure? The PRESIDENT : The minister for whiskery sharks! Hon NORMAN MOORE replied: Thank you, Mr President! I thank the member for this question about my favourite subject. (1) The most recent assessment of Western Australia’s whiskery shark stock status that is currently available was completed in 2007. The best estimate of the breeding stock biomass was 24 per cent of its unexploited level. (2) According to the last assessment, the best estimates of breeding stock were 25 per cent in 1996-97, 24 per cent in 1997-98, 23 per cent in 1998-99, 22 per cent in 1999-2000, 21 per cent in 2000-01, 21 per cent in 2001-02, 22 per cent in 2002-03, 25 per cent in 2003-04, and 24 per cent in 2004-05 and 2005-06. (3) The main source of whiskery shark exploitation is the commercial demersal gillnet and demersal longline fishing industry. Under the current management arrangements, the threats to the whiskery shark stocks are now considered negligible. (4) No. School shark—I will not even try to pronounce the Latin name—catches by all Western Australian fisheries are limited to 6.2 per cent of the commonwealth government administered total allowable catch. This is determined by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority’s rebuilding strategy for this species. As WA catches have not exceeded the prescribed level—currently 15 tonnes per year—they are not considered to pose a threat to the species’ recovery. However, if the honourable member intends to ask me whether any other shark species are under pressure from overfishing in WA, the answer is yes. I refer the member to answer (5). (5) Other shark species captured by WA fishers considered to be under pressure include dusky whalers and sandbar sharks. However, significant actions taken by governments to address this include setting a maximum size limit for dusky sharks, prohibiting the use of metal trace wire and large hooks that have been used to target large sharks, reducing entitlement values with the objective of capping effort at 2001-02 levels, and setting more explicit effort level ceilings for each management zone.
(5) If yes to (4), which species of shark and why are they under pressure? The PRESIDENT : The minister for whiskery sharks! Hon NORMAN MOORE replied: Thank you, Mr President! I thank the member for this question about my favourite subject. (1) The most recent assessment of Western Australia’s whiskery shark stock status that is currently available was completed in 2007. The best estimate of the breeding stock biomass was 24 per cent of its unexploited level. (2) According to the last assessment, the best estimates of breeding stock were 25 per cent in 1996-97, 24 per cent in 1997-98, 23 per cent in 1998-99, 22 per cent in 1999-2000, 21 per cent in 2000-01, 21 per cent in 2001-02, 22 per cent in 2002-03, 25 per cent in 2003-04, and 24 per cent in 2004-05 and 2005-06. (3) The main source of whiskery shark exploitation is the commercial demersal gillnet and demersal longline fishing industry. Under the current management arrangements, the threats to the whiskery shark stocks are now considered negligible. (4) No. School shark—I will not even try to pronounce the Latin name—catches by all Western Australian fisheries are limited to 6.2 per cent of the commonwealth government administered total allowable catch. This is determined by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority’s rebuilding strategy for this species. As WA catches have not exceeded the prescribed level—currently 15 tonnes per year—they are not considered to pose a threat to the species’ recovery. However, if the honourable member intends to ask me whether any other shark species are under pressure from overfishing in WA, the answer is yes. I refer the member to answer (5). (5) Other shark species captured by WA fishers considered to be under pressure include dusky whalers and sandbar sharks. However, significant actions taken by governments to address this include setting a maximum size limit for dusky sharks, prohibiting the use of metal trace wire and large hooks that have been used to target large sharks, reducing entitlement values with the objective of capping effort at 2001-02 levels, and setting more explicit effort level ceilings for each management zone.
The PRESIDENT : The minister for whiskery sharks! Hon NORMAN MOORE replied: Thank you, Mr President! I thank the member for this question about my favourite subject. (1) The most recent assessment of Western Australia’s whiskery shark stock status that is currently available was completed in 2007. The best estimate of the breeding stock biomass was 24 per cent of its unexploited level. (2) According to the last assessment, the best estimates of breeding stock were 25 per cent in 1996-97, 24 per cent in 1997-98, 23 per cent in 1998-99, 22 per cent in 1999-2000, 21 per cent in 2000-01, 21 per cent in 2001-02, 22 per cent in 2002-03, 25 per cent in 2003-04, and 24 per cent in 2004-05 and 2005-06. (3) The main source of whiskery shark exploitation is the commercial demersal gillnet and demersal longline fishing industry. Under the current management arrangements, the threats to the whiskery shark stocks are now considered negligible. (4) No. School shark—I will not even try to pronounce the Latin name—catches by all Western Australian fisheries are limited to 6.2 per cent of the commonwealth government administered total allowable catch. This is determined by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority’s rebuilding strategy for this species. As WA catches have not exceeded the prescribed level—currently 15 tonnes per year—they are not considered to pose a threat to the species’ recovery. However, if the honourable member intends to ask me whether any other shark species are under pressure from overfishing in WA, the answer is yes. I refer the member to answer (5). (5) Other shark species captured by WA fishers considered to be under pressure include dusky whalers and sandbar sharks. However, significant actions taken by governments to address this include setting a maximum size limit for dusky sharks, prohibiting the use of metal trace wire and large hooks that have been used to target large sharks, reducing entitlement values with the objective of capping effort at 2001-02 levels, and setting more explicit effort level ceilings for each management zone.
Hon NORMAN MOORE replied: Thank you, Mr President! I thank the member for this question about my favourite subject. (1) The most recent assessment of Western Australia’s whiskery shark stock status that is currently available was completed in 2007. The best estimate of the breeding stock biomass was 24 per cent of its unexploited level. (2) According to the last assessment, the best estimates of breeding stock were 25 per cent in 1996-97, 24 per cent in 1997-98, 23 per cent in 1998-99, 22 per cent in 1999-2000, 21 per cent in 2000-01, 21 per cent in 2001-02, 22 per cent in 2002-03, 25 per cent in 2003-04, and 24 per cent in 2004-05 and 2005-06. (3) The main source of whiskery shark exploitation is the commercial demersal gillnet and demersal longline fishing industry. Under the current management arrangements, the threats to the whiskery shark stocks are now considered negligible. (4) No. School shark—I will not even try to pronounce the Latin name—catches by all Western Australian fisheries are limited to 6.2 per cent of the commonwealth government administered total allowable catch. This is determined by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority’s rebuilding strategy for this species. As WA catches have not exceeded the prescribed level—currently 15 tonnes per year—they are not considered to pose a threat to the species’ recovery. However, if the honourable member intends to ask me whether any other shark species are under pressure from overfishing in WA, the answer is yes. I refer the member to answer (5). (5) Other shark species captured by WA fishers considered to be under pressure include dusky whalers and sandbar sharks. However, significant actions taken by governments to address this include setting a maximum size limit for dusky sharks, prohibiting the use of metal trace wire and large hooks that have been used to target large sharks, reducing entitlement values with the objective of capping effort at 2001-02 levels, and setting more explicit effort level ceilings for each management zone.
Thank you, Mr President! I thank the member for this question about my favourite subject. (1) The most recent assessment of Western Australia’s whiskery shark stock status that is currently available was completed in 2007. The best estimate of the breeding stock biomass was 24 per cent of its unexploited level. (2) According to the last assessment, the best estimates of breeding stock were 25 per cent in 1996-97, 24 per cent in 1997-98, 23 per cent in 1998-99, 22 per cent in 1999-2000, 21 per cent in 2000-01, 21 per cent in 2001-02, 22 per cent in 2002-03, 25 per cent in 2003-04, and 24 per cent in 2004-05 and 2005-06. (3) The main source of whiskery shark exploitation is the commercial demersal gillnet and demersal longline fishing industry. Under the current management arrangements, the threats to the whiskery shark stocks are now considered negligible. (4) No. School shark—I will not even try to pronounce the Latin name—catches by all Western Australian fisheries are limited to 6.2 per cent of the commonwealth government administered total allowable catch. This is determined by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority’s rebuilding strategy for this species. As WA catches have not exceeded the prescribed level—currently 15 tonnes per year—they are not considered to pose a threat to the species’ recovery. However, if the honourable member intends to ask me whether any other shark species are under pressure from overfishing in WA, the answer is yes. I refer the member to answer (5). (5) Other shark species captured by WA fishers considered to be under pressure include dusky whalers and sandbar sharks. However, significant actions taken by governments to address this include setting a maximum size limit for dusky sharks, prohibiting the use of metal trace wire and large hooks that have been used to target large sharks, reducing entitlement values with the objective of capping effort at 2001-02 levels, and setting more explicit effort level ceilings for each management zone.
(1) The most recent assessment of Western Australia’s whiskery shark stock status that is currently available was completed in 2007. The best estimate of the breeding stock biomass was 24 per cent of its unexploited level. (2) According to the last assessment, the best estimates of breeding stock were 25 per cent in 1996-97, 24 per cent in 1997-98, 23 per cent in 1998-99, 22 per cent in 1999-2000, 21 per cent in 2000-01, 21 per cent in 2001-02, 22 per cent in 2002-03, 25 per cent in 2003-04, and 24 per cent in 2004-05 and 2005-06. (3) The main source of whiskery shark exploitation is the commercial demersal gillnet and demersal longline fishing industry. Under the current management arrangements, the threats to the whiskery shark stocks are now considered negligible. (4) No. School shark—I will not even try to pronounce the Latin name—catches by all Western Australian fisheries are limited to 6.2 per cent of the commonwealth government administered total allowable catch. This is determined by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority’s rebuilding strategy for this species. As WA catches have not exceeded the prescribed level—currently 15 tonnes per year—they are not considered to pose a threat to the species’ recovery. However, if the honourable member intends to ask me whether any other shark species are under pressure from overfishing in WA, the answer is yes. I refer the member to answer (5). (5) Other shark species captured by WA fishers considered to be under pressure include dusky whalers and sandbar sharks. However, significant actions taken by governments to address this include setting a maximum size limit for dusky sharks, prohibiting the use of metal trace wire and large hooks that have been used to target large sharks, reducing entitlement values with the objective of capping effort at 2001-02 levels, and setting more explicit effort level ceilings for each management zone.
(2) According to the last assessment, the best estimates of breeding stock were 25 per cent in 1996-97, 24 per cent in 1997-98, 23 per cent in 1998-99, 22 per cent in 1999-2000, 21 per cent in 2000-01, 21 per cent in 2001-02, 22 per cent in 2002-03, 25 per cent in 2003-04, and 24 per cent in 2004-05 and 2005-06. (3) The main source of whiskery shark exploitation is the commercial demersal gillnet and demersal longline fishing industry. Under the current management arrangements, the threats to the whiskery shark stocks are now considered negligible. (4) No. School shark—I will not even try to pronounce the Latin name—catches by all Western Australian fisheries are limited to 6.2 per cent of the commonwealth government administered total allowable catch. This is determined by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority’s rebuilding strategy for this species. As WA catches have not exceeded the prescribed level—currently 15 tonnes per year—they are not considered to pose a threat to the species’ recovery. However, if the honourable member intends to ask me whether any other shark species are under pressure from overfishing in WA, the answer is yes. I refer the member to answer (5). (5) Other shark species captured by WA fishers considered to be under pressure include dusky whalers and sandbar sharks. However, significant actions taken by governments to address this include setting a maximum size limit for dusky sharks, prohibiting the use of metal trace wire and large hooks that have been used to target large sharks, reducing entitlement values with the objective of capping effort at 2001-02 levels, and setting more explicit effort level ceilings for each management zone.
(3) The main source of whiskery shark exploitation is the commercial demersal gillnet and demersal longline fishing industry. Under the current management arrangements, the threats to the whiskery shark stocks are now considered negligible. (4) No. School shark—I will not even try to pronounce the Latin name—catches by all Western Australian fisheries are limited to 6.2 per cent of the commonwealth government administered total allowable catch. This is determined by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority’s rebuilding strategy for this species. As WA catches have not exceeded the prescribed level—currently 15 tonnes per year—they are not considered to pose a threat to the species’ recovery. However, if the honourable member intends to ask me whether any other shark species are under pressure from overfishing in WA, the answer is yes. I refer the member to answer (5). (5) Other shark species captured by WA fishers considered to be under pressure include dusky whalers and sandbar sharks. However, significant actions taken by governments to address this include setting a maximum size limit for dusky sharks, prohibiting the use of metal trace wire and large hooks that have been used to target large sharks, reducing entitlement values with the objective of capping effort at 2001-02 levels, and setting more explicit effort level ceilings for each management zone.
(4) No. School shark—I will not even try to pronounce the Latin name—catches by all Western Australian fisheries are limited to 6.2 per cent of the commonwealth government administered total allowable catch. This is determined by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority’s rebuilding strategy for this species. As WA catches have not exceeded the prescribed level—currently 15 tonnes per year—they are not considered to pose a threat to the species’ recovery. However, if the honourable member intends to ask me whether any other shark species are under pressure from overfishing in WA, the answer is yes. I refer the member to answer (5). (5) Other shark species captured by WA fishers considered to be under pressure include dusky whalers and sandbar sharks. However, significant actions taken by governments to address this include setting a maximum size limit for dusky sharks, prohibiting the use of metal trace wire and large hooks that have been used to target large sharks, reducing entitlement values with the objective of capping effort at 2001-02 levels, and setting more explicit effort level ceilings for each management zone.
(5) Other shark species captured by WA fishers considered to be under pressure include dusky whalers and sandbar sharks. However, significant actions taken by governments to address this include setting a maximum size limit for dusky sharks, prohibiting the use of metal trace wire and large hooks that have been used to target large sharks, reducing entitlement values with the objective of capping effort at 2001-02 levels, and setting more explicit effort level ceilings for each management zone.
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