Grey Nurse Shark speared

The marine-loving community in Sydney and throughout NSW is up in arms this week after shocking photos were posted online by a witness to an alleged spearing of an endangered and protected Grey Nurse Shark at Mona Vale Beach on Sunday (August 2).

Photographs of the shark with a spear through its head were posted online by the witness to what could become a criminal incident. The photos are reminiscent of those from the pages of Ben Cropp's old
book "Shark Hunters" from the 60s, which also featured accounts of Ron and Valerie
Taylor's once-proud Grey Nurse Shark spearing days.

The national spearfishing body, the Underwater Skindivers and Fisherman's Association (USFA), has now released an important news item following the disturbing report and photographs on social media of two men with spearguns, who allegedly killed the Grey Nurse Shark at Mona Vale.

TWO SHOTS TO THE HEAD
The USFA says it does not condone any illegal practise by NSW spearfishers who do not comply with Fisheries regulations and laws.

Evidently, the juvenile 1.2m protected shark had been shot twice in the head and from an angle that denotes a deliberate act and not a result of self-defence.

The online report said that when confronted the men feigned poor English and then said the shark had “tried to kill them” before throwing the dead shark back into the ocean along with the rest of their catch.

The witness to the alleged shark shooting said that the two men fled the location in a champagne-coloured Nissan Patrol 4WD, while still wearing wetsuits, with numberplates being seen by a few and forwarded to NSW Fisheries.

UPHOLD THE CODE
The USFA would like to remind all spearfishers that every time you pull on a wetsuit you are representing not just yourself but the entire sport, that at all times you must uphold the highest level of ethical standards, abide by all laws and adhere to the USFA Rules and Regulations.

The USFA has also developed the Code of Conduct for Grey Nurse Sharks to assist spearfishers with their interactions with the endangered shark species.

This code represents the minimum standards of behaviour and actions required when Spearfishing in proximity to Grey Nurse Sharks. The code is part of the membership commitments to the USFA. It also serves as the default standard for all NSW Spearfishers.

Code of Conduct for Grey Nurse Sharks
When spearfishing near where Grey Nurse Sharks congregate:
>> Keep a minimum distance of five (5) metres at all times.
>> Do not knowingly allow sharks to steal catches.
>> Refrain from all forms of flashlight photography of sharks.
>> When sharks move to within five (5) metres discreetly retreat avoiding the projected path of the shark. If the sharks appear agitated, move out of the area.
>> Assist in any scientific research in conjunction with NSW DPI personnel.
>> Maintain and share records of shark populations to be able to ascertain whether they may be increasing or decreasing over periods.
>> When operating in Grey Nurse Shark locations, try to limit direct interaction.
>> Educate other spearfishers who may not be aware of, or otherwise regulated by the USFA code.

The USFA, NSW Fisheries and all responsible spearfishers are calling for assistance in any way possible to identify these men.

Report illegal or suspect fishing activities to your nearest Fisheries Office or use the Fishers Watch Phone line on 1800 043 536 or complete the online report form. See http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/compliance/report-illegal-activity.

We reprint these above admittedly unpleasant images of the dead Grey Nurse Shark taken by the witness in the hope it helps find the culprits.