Conservation group WWF says the Queensland Government must phase out targeted shark fishing on the Great Barrier Reef in a bid to preserve the species.
A report by the Environment Department has raised concerns over the practice in Australia’s northern waters.
WWF spokeswoman Gilly Llewellyn says species like the hammerhead thresher sharks and bull sharks are at risk of becoming extinct within 30 years.
“Our message is how vulnerable shark species are and how little effective management there is out there and whether it’s controlling the illegal fishing or even managing existing shark fisheries in a way that will ensure a future for sharks,” he said.
