Port Stephens fisherman have helped establish a unique shark and ray rescue and conservation centre at Bobs Farm.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
For the past three months commercial fishermen have been retrieving sharks and rays from their nets and delivering them to the newly established rescue centre where Andrew Tindale rehabilitates them.
The centre also purchases sharks, rays, eels, fish and octopus that would normally end up at the fish markets, saving them from the dinner plate.
The facility was set-up 13 years ago as the Australian Shark and Ray Centre.
Mr Tindale said the new venture had a greater focus on the rehabilitation and conservation of marine animals.
Community members care for the rescued baby sharks and rays before they are placed into public aquariums.
"These animals are already acclimated to captivity and will have a much better chance of survival in a public aquarium, thus drastically reducing the number of older wild animals being caught for that industry," Mr Tindale said.
"And the local commercial fishermen are key to that. The Haul Netting Fishery is without a doubt one of the most sustainable fishing methods but even then there can be a few damaged sharks and rays who wouldn't be able to survive in the wild. But its great to know the fishermen care enough to make the effort to saved the few that do get hurt".
The centre is also developing a seahorse and clownfish farm with the same goal of reducing wild caught aquarium fish.
While you're with us, did you know the Newcastle Herald offers breaking news alerts, daily email newsletters and more? Keep up to date with all the local news - sign up here
IN THE NEWS:
- NSW Ambulance service maintains 'stony silence' after four senior Hunter managers stood down in as many months amid investigations
- Concept designs for a new seven-storey acute services building at John Hunter Hospital unveiled
- Knights boss reveals how close the club came to being relocated after losing $50 million in a decade
- NRL launches Rabbitohs investigation as Sam Burgess denies allegations on eve of 2020 finals series