Port Jackson Shark

port jackson shark
© Tasmanian Government. Image Peter Gouldthorpe
Season: Open all year

bag limit2

 

possession limit4

 

boat limit5

Bag and possession limits are for sharks and rays other than school, gummy, mako, blue, or elephantfish combined. Boat limit is for all shark and ray species combined, excluding elephantfish.

Guide to symbols

bagBag Limit
housePossession Limit
boatBoat Limit

Minimum size

None
Measuring
Measure shark species either from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail, or for headed and tailed shark, from the back gill slit to the base of the tail. More information.

Other names

horn shark, bullhead, oyster crusher


Scientific name

Heterodontus portusjacksoni

Grows to


Up to

1.7 metres

Identifying features


​The Port Jackson shark has a blunt head with crushing plate jaws.  It is a brown colour with black striping on the back and a white to cream belly.

​​Area restrictions

Do not take in shark refuge areas. 

Rules

The dorsal and pectoral fins must remain attached to all shark until they are landed.​​​

Habitat

Found on the bottom over both reef and sand although their preference is for reefy or seagrass areas. They tend to prefer shallower coastal waters down to 300 metres deep.

Fishing Information

Often considered an unwanted bycatch species if taken by recreational fishers.  They will readily take the baits of line fishers and become entangled in nets.  There is very low meat return considering the size of this shark and they have tough skin and cartilage which makes cleaning difficult.

Handling

All shark species should be handled carefully.  Port Jackson sharks have crushing plates in their strong jaws and sharp poisonous spines on their dorsal fins.​

Hotline

Fishwatch Report illegal fishing

0427 655 557

What to report? arrow button

Contact us

Recreational Fishing

Level 3, 134 Macquarie St

Hobart TAS 7000

Phone: (03) 6165 3233, 1300 720 647

Email: fishing.enquiries@nre.tas.gov.au

Commercial Fisheries

Level 3, 134 Macquarie St

GPO Box 44

Phone: (03) 6165 3000, 1300 368 550

Email: commercial.fisheries@nre.tas.gov.au

Commercial Fisheries Licensing

Level 1, 134 Macquarie St

GPO Box 44

Phone: (03) 6165 3000, 1300 368 550

Email: fishing.licensing@nre.tas.gov.au