Fisherman get shark killing ban

Shrimp fisherman in northern Australia have been banned from catching and killing sharks for their fins, a prized delicacy in Asia, an industry group announced today.

Shrimp fisherman in northern Australia have been banned from catching and killing sharks for their fins, a prized delicacy in Asia, an industry group announced today.

The Northern Prawn Fishery has outlawed the catching of sharks and stingrays off northern Australia in a bid to protect endangered species.

Under the ban, all sharks would have to be returned to the water and it would be illegal to have shark parts- including fins - aboard boats.

Until now, shark fins have been a lucrative catch for some prawn fishermen.

The Australian government welcomed the ban.

It was not immediately clear what penalties the industry body would be able to impose on fishermen who contravened the ban.

Millions of sharks are caught each year around the world and killed for their fins, threatening the survival of some species.