SHARKS & RAYS IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA: THE ISSUE

Sharks and rays, some of the most ancient and awe-inspiring creatures of the ocean, roam the waters of the world. Over 300 species call our Australian seas home, with over 65 of them found in the rich, vibrant waters of South Australia. Sharks and rays grow slowly, live long lives, and mature late, often producing few offspring. These life history traits makes them vulnerable to the pressures of human activity, particularly overfishing, and to the harsh realities of a changing world.  

In South Australia, many species of sharks and rays are still targeted by both recreational and commercial fisheries. Rays, in particular, used to be able to be caught and taken without any legal restrictions— until now.  There were no minimum size requirements, no daily bag limits, and no catch limits for rays.  Sharks are similarly targeted and up until now only the white shark was protected with zero take limits.  

Overfishing has already caused devastating declines in many shark populations worldwide, including iconic species like the Australian school shark. Even more concerning, for many species of sharks and rays that are not directly targeted by fisheries, their life-history data—such as age, growth rates, and reproductive patterns—remain largely unknown. Without this knowledge, we cannot fully understand their resilience or their ability to withstand the pressures of fishing.

Sharks and rays are not just creatures of the deep; they are essential to the health of our oceans. As marine predators, they maintain the balance of ecosystems, keeping populations of smaller animals under control and maintaining the structure and biodiversity of the environments they inhabit. Their survival is not only a matter of ecological balance but of ethical responsibility. The way we treat these incredible animals—whether we respect their place in the natural world or push them toward the brink of extinction—speaks to our values as stewards of the planet. The call for conservation is urgent. Sharks and rays need our protection—not just because they are fascinating creatures, but because our future, and the future of our oceans, depends on their survival. 

Shark and rays have similar cognitive abilities to other vertebrates (such as mammals and birds). They have complex sensory systems capable of processing various visual, auditory, physical, electromagnetic, and chemical stimuli (Brown & Schluessel, 2023). They are intelligent, capable of feeling stress and pain, and should be treated humanely as per any other animal.

Treating them humanely, with the respect and care they deserve, is not just a matter of conservation; it is a reflection of our shared responsibility to the world around us.

endangered hammerhead caught in South Australia