Protection for at-risk fish, sharks and rays and their habitats can be achieved through both Commonwealth and state laws. Once protected in this way, it generally becomes illegal to kill, injure, trade, keep or move those species identified as being at risk from extinction and/or to damage their habitat. Penalties for such actions are set out in the relevant Acts.
Download Legislation Overview
This paper provides an overview of the Commonwealth and state legislation that can be utilised to protect SAs fish, sharks and rays from many of the threats they face. It includes information on the types of protection available, the nomination and assessment processes, and the benefits of species and habitat listing under the various Acts.
A brief discussion of: the benefits and processes of having at risk fish, sharks and rays included on non-government organisations threatened species listings; and relevant international conventions, treaties and protocols is also provided.
A summary of the information provided in this paper is incorporated in another paper in this series: Protecting SAs Fish, Sharks and Rays Through National and State Levels Actions
