"Confusion and controversy surrounding shark conservation and management" - POSTPONED for a later date

CPD (Continuing Professional Development)

Resource Person:
Dr Erika J Techera FAAL, Professor of Environmental Law, University of Western Australia

Dr Erika J Techera ,FAAL, is the former Director of the UWA Oceans Institute and prior to that she was the Dean of the UWA Law School.  She was previously  the Director of the Centre for International Environmental Law and Co-Director for the Centre for Climate Futures at Macquarie University; and has practised as a Barrister in Sydney and worked as a company director.

She is an international and comparative environmental lawyer with particular emphasis on marine environmental law and cultural heritage law relating to the oceans. Her research explores Indo-Pacific maritime issues: marine protected area governance, marine spatial planning and marine pollution, as well as international law for the conservation and management of wild species. Her most recent projects include transnational crime, technology and IUU fishing; rigs-to-reefs law and policy; and intangible marine heritage. She also teaches three postgraduate subjects: Oceans Governance, International Environmental Law and Global Heritage Governance.

Moreover, she is the author of Marine Environmental Governance: from international law to local practice (Routledge, 2012) and the International Law of Sharks: Obstacles, Options and Opportunities (with Professor Natalie Klein) (Brill, 2017).  She is the co-editor of the Routledge Handbook of International Environmental Law (Routledge, 2013) and Sharks: Conservation, Management & Governance (Earthscan, 2014) as well as co-editor of the forthcoming Marine Extremes: Ocean Safety, Marine Health and the Blue Economy.
 
Course description:
Over the last decade increasing evidence has emerged of the plight of sharks. These ancient species play an essential role in maintaining ocean health and provide important ecosystem services. Shark numbers have declined due to habitat loss, pollution and overfishing. In particular, they are harvested for their fins, a delicacy in China. Simultaneously, several shark species have been implicated in attacks on humans in the Indo Pacific region. Responses have varied in different countries which have sought to protect people by culling sharks and/or closing beaches. Both responses have been controversial. In addition, proposals to expand aquaculture have exposed concerns that these activities will further attract sharks, leading to further controversy. This presentation will consider the legal issues, responses and the way forward.

 

Experience Level:
All
Group:
Law Practitioners & Legal Officers