While Sharknado’s sequel may have bombed with the critics, AFMA’s supplement to our Shark and Ray Handling Practices – A guide for commercial fishers in southern Australia is sure to not disappoint.
The original Shark and Ray Handling Practices guide, released last year, is now available on our website as an e-booklet. The e-booklet is easy to navigate and was designed to be easily accessible by being compatible with mobile devices, such as iPhone, iPad, and Android.
The guide presents recommendations to help minimise the damage to species accidentally caught, information on the biology of commonly encountered species and current research into shark survival after release.
Australian waters are home to a diverse and unique array of sharks, rays and related species, which play an important role in our aquatic ecosystems and some Australian fisheries. Operational practices can have a significant impact on the species’ survival rate. The guide assists fishers in making informed decisions on how long fishing gear should be in the water, the type of gear being used and handling practices in order to maximise the chance of captured animals surviving.