The only exception is for limpets and elephant snails which can be taken by an Aboriginal person.
Other threatened marine species
There are a number of marine species that are threatened species and are protected under the
Threatened Species Protection Act 1995. Many threatened marine species are also protected nationally under the
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 2000. This includes some birds, seals, turtles, sea stars and whales as well as four species of handfish and the great white shark.
A full list of the threatened species can be found in the
Threatened Species section.
Accidentally caught protected and endangered species
Protected Species
If you encounter, or even accidentally catch, a protected species, you must return the animal to where you found it regardless of whether it is alive or dead. Aboriginals engaged in an Aboriginal activity may take and possess limpets and elephant snails.
Threatened Species
Threatened species cannot be taken without a permit for any reason, however you may encounter or accidentally catch, some of these species when fishing. If you think that you may have caught a threatened species, please try and return it to the water with as little damage as possible.
If it is injured or entangled in fishing gear please contact the DPIPWE Threatened Species Unit and they will advise you on what action might be required.
Also contact the Threatened Species Unit to report dead threatened species. Where seals, birds, whales or dolphins are involved, contact the Marine Conservation Program on 0427 942 537.
Maugean skate alert
The Maugean skate is only found in Macquarie Harbour and its numbers are low. This protected species is sometimes accidently caught in gillnets or by rod and line. They must be returned to the water as soon as possible without harm. Cut net mesh if necessary to ensure the skates remain unharmed. Read more about this
threatened and endangered species.
Maugean skates can be distinguished from other skates by their elongated snout - which causes it to be vulnerable to capture by gillnets. It is important to adhere to the
netting restrictions, which help reduce the likelihood of encountering Maugean skates.
Illustrations by Peter Gouldthorpe