www.tourism.sa.gov.au

Great White

Iconic tourism experience for South Helping to establish Port Lincoln, and as one of Australia’s premier nature based tourism destinations Over 10,000 visitors in 2015/16 (64% domestic, 36% international) Generated economic expenditure of $12.8 million Supports an estimated 80 jobs in the local economy Helps to drive economic growth espoused in South Australia’s Nature Based Tourism Strategy “Nature Like Nowhere Else” Neptune Island (Ron and )

Neptune Islands are only place in Australia where experience is available

60 – 70 km south of Port Lincoln Two Islands - highly protected Conservation Park Marine Park North Neptune Sanctuary Zone Colonies of Australian fur seal, long-nosed fur seal, Australian sea-lion White shark aggregation area Commercial Tour Operator licences required South Australia’s Marine Parks Great White Sharks

Listed as Vulnerable on IUCN Red list

Listed as Vulnerable and Migratory under Federal EPBC Act

Aust Government Recovery Plan for the White Shark (2013)

Protected species under SA Fisheries Management Act

Obligation to support recovery, protect sharks, improve knowledge SA Government Tour operators Cage Diving Tours

Pioneered by in 1960s

Other businesses and several locations in 1980s and 1990s

Following shark attacks in early 2000s, tours restricted to Neptune Islands

Currently three tour operators

All have different operating models Rodney Fox Shark Expeditions

Multi- day trips (2 – 5 nights)

77 foot Princess 2

Six guest cabins

Surface cage and ocean floor cage

Permission to use fish attractants

Fox Shark Research Foundation Calypso Star Charters

Single day trips

60 foot MV Calypso Star

Max 25 guests per trip

Twilight tours

Permission to use fish attractants

Sea lion tours

Support research Adventure Bay Charters

Single day trips

53 ft Shark Warrior

Max 27 guests per trip

Aqua Sub – glass underwater viewing

Use acoustic attractant (music)

Sea lion tours

Support research Cage Diving Tours

Significant growth in consumer demand Two operators in the 2000’s (Rodney Fox and Calypso) Approx. 110 activity days in 2000 to 260 days in 2011 Third operator commenced in 2011 (Adventure Bay) Operators had one year licences – greater certainty needed CSIRO monitoring – increase in average shark residency at North Neptune 11 days in 2001/02 to 21 days in 2010/11 No evidence change has been harmful Cage Diving Tours

Review of policy in 2012 Safeguard industry by protecting against further behavioural changes Input from tour operators, government departments, white shark scientists, Federal department Cap or reduce the level of attraction Three operators only Two operators can use fish attractants Activity days capped at 2011 levels EOI process to allocate licences Five year licences (expire 30 June 2017) Cage Diving Tours

Consumer demand continues to grow 10,000+ visitors in 2015/16 Greater understanding of the economic value of the industry Greater certainty for future of the industry Government has announced ten year licences will be offered Revision of policy that underpins how licences will operate Input from tour operators, government departments, white shark scientists, Federal department Ten year licences recently offered White Shark Tour Licensing Policy

Location Neptune Islands only Contingency plans allowed for Number of Licences Remains at three, issued to licence holders Transfer of licences With approval of the Minister Licence term Ten years each Number of vessels in operation One vessel each at any given time White Shark Tour Licensing Policy Number of Activity days Safeguards activity free days Use of fish attractants Two operators Limits on amounts of berley and baits (no feeding) Industry Streamlined approval process Use of acoustic attractants No impact on visitor experiences Industry code of practice White Shark Tour Licensing Policy Adaptive Management Ongoing monitoring of shark residency times Compared against 2001/02 figures (11 days) ‘Target range’ – desirable ‘Response range’ – significant increase in shark residency ‘Caution range’ – between target and response ranges Ability to adjust restrictions Activity days Fish based attractant White Shark Tour Licensing Policy

Decision points in relation to the normal distribution curve for 2001-02 white shark residency duration data at North Neptune Islands Benefits

Greater certainty for the operators, consumers, government and community

Demonstrates commitment to responsible and sustainable management

Provides an ongoing framework for monitoring and compliance

Understanding of the economic contribution

Increases the appeal to consumers

Opportunity for South Australia to be a leader in nature-based tourism

Presented by:

David Lake Manager Planning & Special Projects South Australian Tourism Commission Phone: 08 8463 4551 Email: [email protected]

www.southaustralia.com www.environment.sa.gov.au www.parks.sa.gov.au