Mako Shark Fishing Ban – Common Sense Prevails
Posted by Meggs | Fishing and Boating Posts, Mako fishing ban | Posted on January 28th, 2010
Shortfin Mako Shark - not so prevalent in the Mediterranean and East Atlantic Oceans
Greetings all,
Whilst the Environment Minister Mr Peter Garrett is not handing out free roof insulation he is on to more pressing issues – like redrafting legislation that would have seen the end of recreational mako shark fishing throughout the country at the end of January. Angry anglers from around the nation put together a petition signed by over 5000 people seeking to have the proposed ban lifted. Thankfully common sense – an often missing element in Australian politics – seems to have won through and legislation will be introduced to see keen Australian fisherman legally still chasing the marvelous Mako shark after January 31st 2010.
For the record the longfin mako, shortfin mako and porbeagle sharks were to be included on the endangered species list and fishing banned for these species as from January 29, 2010. Many boaties have invested plenty in fishing tackle and vessels to be able to catch these species and of course charter boat operators were concerned for their livelihoods. Others contemplated the ban spreading to other recreational targeted fish such as coral trout and giant trevally to name a couple and tackle stores around the country were left very concerned indeed.
That being said – why is the mako shark being added to this list?
Well apparently the mako’s problem is not associated with Australian waters but their numbers have dwindled in the Mediterranean Sea and the Eastern Atlantic Ocean. The United Nations sponsored Convention on Migratory Species is listing several sharks, including short-finned makos, for complete protection and Australia is a signatory to an international treaty and “is prohibited to “kill, injure or take” members of a listed migratory species in Commonwealth waters.”
The funny thing is the local population of mako’s have nothing to do with northern waters. Biologically the ban makes no sense whatsoever because there is no sharing of populations between the impacted areas. Furthermore, the mako’s are not under threat in Australian waters at all and are a popular tag and release species. In fact, the Fishing and Reef Tour Specialists are off to the southern coast of NSW to target this species in an overnight adventure in June of this year which could have been called off if this nonsensical ban continued.
Bans are already in place for other sharks such as the great white and the grey nurse.
Next week I will run through the life cycle of the mako shark.
Sea you later,
Skipper Meggs
PS. For the latest update on the mako fishing ban see;
http://skippermeggs.com/blog/index.php/mako-shark-ban-confusion-can-you-target-take-or-tag/
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