There is severe concern* that shark finning is the economic driver of the shark fishing industry worldwide.

"Shark finning, where the fins are cut off live sharks which are then left to die, is banned in Australia. However, Australia imports thousands of kilograms of dried shark fins every year from countries that have not banned shark finning. This equates to thousands of mutilated sharks," she said.

"I would urge all Victorians and all Australians to boycott shark fin soup or other shark fin dishes as a way of stamping out this brutal practice and to ensure that shark populations are not further reduced," she said.

"Sharks are at the top of the food chain and play a vital role in marine ecosystems. The AMCS suggests, and I agree, that we should start protecting sharks in the same way we protect whales and dolphins. Sharks are long lived and mature and reproduce relatively late in life cycle," she said.

"With shark populations plummeting worldwide it is unbelievable that the Queensland Government would be considering a commercial shark fishery in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park," Ms Pennicuik said.


Further information:   Sue Pennicuik    0409 055 875

According to the Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS), Australia is home to more that 300 species of sharks and rays. Around 77 species are threatened with extinction.  
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

*The Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts in Senate Estimates