Man fined for shark kill
Great white shark hit by boat and beaten with poleA man who killed a juvenile Great White Shark by deliberately striking it with his boat at Sussex Inlet has been fined more than $18,000 including court costs.
Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Director of Fisheries Compliance, Glenn Tritton, said the 40-year-old man from Glenbrook, NSW was found guilty of harming a threatened species when the matter was heard in Wollongong Local Court last week.
"Great White Sharks are protected in Australian waters, they are listed as a threatened species in NSW which means it is illegal to catch and keep, buy, sell, possess or harm great white sharks and their habitats," Mr Tritton said.
It was alleged that on in January 2012 at Sussex Inlet a shark was seen in the area and was actively pursued by a boat. Witnesses told DPI fisheries officers the 40-year-old man deliberately used his boat to hit the shark several times while herding it into shallow water.
A rope was tied onto the shark’s tail and a second boat then towed the shark back to a boat ramp.
The shark was then hit on the head with a metal pole several times and died.
The magistrate fined the 40-year-old man $8000, costs of $8865 and $1238 for witness costs.
The owner of the second vessel which towed the shark was also charged with harming a threatened species. He entered a plea of guilty and received a six month good behaviour bond.
Mr Tritton said the fines serve as a warning for people engaging in this type of irresponsible behaviour.
"This conviction sends a strong message that harming of our threatened species will not be tolerated – everyone needs to know the rules and ignorance is no excuse," Mr Tritton said.
"Great white sharks are found along the NSW coastline and as apex predators at the top of the food chain, they play an important role in marine ecosystems.
"The low population numbers following historical exploitation, plus their low reproductive rate, long gestation and late age at sexual maturity lead to slow recovery of the great white shark population and demonstrate the need for its protection."
Information concerning illegal fishing can be reported to the Fisher’s Watch hotline 1800 043 536.
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