Shark finning legislation introduced

5/10/00
Fisheries Minister Monty House has introduced regulations under the Fish Resources Management Act (1994) to prohibit the removal of fins from sharks and the discarding of the associated carcass at sea.
Shark finning has been reported mainly in Commonwealth tuna and bellfish fisheries. However, the potential has remained for finning to take place within State managed fisheries.
The cruel and wasteful practice of shark finning has raised serious concerns within both the fishing industry and the wider community.
Mr House said that the finning of live sharks at sea was unacceptable.
"The changes in the Western Australian regulations are timely in that they will complement Federal legislation which will be implemented to stop the practice of shark finning in Commonwealth fisheries," Mr House said.
"For any breaches under the new State regulations there would be a fine of $10,000."
Media contact: Julie Cole - 9481 2044