This shark research report looks at the current trends in the global shark fin trade and actions that Australia can take to drive improvement in the shark fin industry, with wider benefits for sustainable management of sharks.

When Scalloped Hammerhead shark was listed as Conservation Dependent (CD) under Australia’s national environmental laws (the EPBC Act), the Threatened Species Scientific Committee (TSSC), one of Australia’s peak independent scientific bodies, mandated specific actions that would allow for species to recover whilst being commercially harvested.

This report finds that despite the CD listing, not all the actions have been implemented. It also provides recommendations to support the recovery of the endangered species.

Composed a year after the original report by Dr Nick Rayns, this report provided an update to the Threatened Species Scientific Committee (TSSC) on any progress made by Australian jurisdictions following the recommendations made by Dr Rayns.

A year on, though some progress was made, key TSSC conditions were yet to be met.

In the 20 years of Australia’s national environmental laws (the EPBC Act) the majority of shark and ray species listed have had no measurable improvements in their recovery or conservation status.

This report assesses 11 of 14 species listed under the EPBC Act, examining what current recovery plans and actions are in effect, and recommendations on how recovery of these species can actually be facilitated.

The Shark Conservation Summit brought together researchers, NGOs, policy makers and the public to discuss, understand and explore the current state of shark conservation in Australia.

This shark research report summarises presentations and discussions, culminating in a list of recommendations to improve the efficacy of shark conservation in Australia.

Several species of endemic (found only in Australia) sharks and rays are under serious threat due to commercial fishing bycatch. The report exposes the extent and seriousness of the problem, and goes on to provide tangible solutions for fisheries with high degrees of endemic shark and ray bycatch