Shark and Ray Handling Practices - A guide for commercial fishers in southern Australia

Improving handling practices can have a significant impact on the survival of sharks and rays that have been captured and is a proactive measure that industry can follow. Other benefits of improved handling practices include the reduced risk of injury to crew as sharks can bite and rays can sting in self-defence when threatened.

Most people assume that because of their predatory nature and fearsome appearance sharks and rays are strong and resilient animals. Although this may be the case for a few species, many are vulnerable to injuries involving capture and landing during fishing activities.

This guide presents information on the type of injuries sharks and rays can obtain during fishing, recommendations to help minimise the damage to non-target species, current research into shark survivability and information on the habitat and biology of commonly encountered species.