THE QUEENSLAND Government has announced a dangerous escalation of its Shark Control Program, doubling baiting efforts and installing new nets and drumlines at popular Queensland beaches.
This approach not only risks the lives of countless marine animals – it may also increase risks to swimmers, according to the Whitsunday Conservation Council.
“The Queensland government is stepping back in time with its plans to expand its outdated and ineffective shark culling program,” Whitsunday Conservation Council president Tony Fontes said.
“The proposed shark management plan would see the rollout of more shark nets and baited drum lines.
“Peer-reviewed scientific evidence has shown no difference in shark bite rates between netted versus un-netted beaches.”
Mr Fontes said even a 2019 Federal Court ruling concluded that the scientific evidence against the Queensland Government’s shark culling was ‘overwhelming’.
“Since 2006, there have been three fatal shark bites at beaches where lethal drumlines and nets are in place (2006, and 2020 and 2025), further undermining claims that culling keeps people safe,” he said.
“Shark nets and drumlines merely give ocean goers a false sense of security.”
Mr Fontes said the move was ‘at odds’ with the Queensland Government’s own Scientific Working Group, independent drone trial data, and the 2019 Senate Inquiry into shark mitigation.
“These all point to the urgent need for non-lethal, science-based solutions which could include technology such as drones, shark barriers, and really good public education,” he said.
“There is also an unnecessary cost to wildlife caused by shark nets and drumlines.
“Public data showed that, last year, 1,639 animals were caught in the program – fewer than half of which were targeted sharks – including 22 whales and dolphins, 37 turtles and 46 rays.
“More than 980 animals were killed.
“If the Queensland Government is serious about bather safety, it must abandon the killing of sharks and adopt modern, non-lethal, evidence-based safety measures that protect both people and wildlife.”
