Shark Nets Under Fire: Queensland’s Outdated Control Program
On the sunlit shores of Queensland, a dark reality lurks beneath the waves. Conservation groups have launched a new initiative to hold the Queensland Government accountable for the staggering toll its Shark Control Program (SCP) has taken on marine life.
A publicly accessible “shark culling counter,” spearheaded by Humane Society International (HSI) Australia and the Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS), will track the number of non-target marine animals caught in shark nets and on drumlines—devices intended to protect swimmers from shark attacks.
The numbers are harrowing: over the past five years, 59 dolphins, 245 turtles, 217 rays, and 44 whales have fallen victim to these lethal measures.
Many were found dead; those released alive often succumbed to injuries or trauma.
Critics argue this approach is both ineffective for public safety and devastating for marine ecosystems.
A Modern Tragedy in Queensland Waters
“Year after year we see the same tragic numbers of dead marine life all because of the misguided belief that the lethal drumlines and shark nets of the SCP keep beachgoers safe,” said Lawrence Chlebeck, Marine Biologist with HSI Australia.
“It’s ludicrous to think that if you put a net in the water, or a baited hook in the ocean, that the only thing they’ll catch will be the sharks that are targeted.”
Shark nets and drumlines have long been the cornerstone of Queensland’s strategy to mitigate shark attacks.
However, they function indiscriminately, ensnaring and killing marine creatures that pose no threat to humans. Conservationists argue the damage extends far beyond individual animals, impacting the delicate balance of marine ecosystems and endangering species already at risk.
The new shark culling counter, updated regularly using government data, aims to keep the public informed and the recently elected Queensland LNP Government accountable.
“These figures tell the true story of the program, and it’s heartbreaking to know how many animals are dying just to make us feel safe,” Chlebeck added.
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Is There a Better Way?
The question at the heart of the debate is whether these methods are truly the best way to protect swimmers. Evidence suggests otherwise.
While shark nets and drumlines may reduce the likelihood of encounters with large sharks, they do little to prevent smaller or more mobile species from approaching beaches. Worse, they give a false sense of security to beachgoers.
Modern technology and innovative solutions offer a promising alternative—one that protects both humans and marine life.
Dr Leonardo Guida, shark scientist with AMCS, emphasized the potential for non-lethal methods: “The Crisafulli Government has an opportunity to fully modernise and improve beach safety for Queenslanders and visitors alike with evidence-based solutions, the added bonus being zero risk to wildlife—it’s a clear win-win.”
A Path Forward
Among the most viable alternatives are drone surveillance, which can provide real-time monitoring of shark activity, and tagged shark listening stations, which track the movements of tagged sharks and send alerts when they approach populated areas.
Shark exclusion barriers, made of eco-friendly materials, create a physical barrier between swimmers and the open ocean without harming marine life. Electric deterrents, already in use in some locations, emit a harmless electrical field that repels sharks.
Queensland’s LNP Government has stated that it is open to considering these modern methods. However, tangible action is yet to follow. Implementing these alternatives would not only reduce harm to marine ecosystems but also demonstrate a commitment to global standards in conservation and public safety.
A Call for Accountability
The launch of the shark culling counter marks a turning point in the fight for sustainable solutions. It underscores the urgency of moving away from outdated and destructive practices toward technologies that safeguard both people and the marine environment.
As Queenslanders and visitors bask on the state’s iconic beaches, the counter will stand as a stark reminder of the cost of inaction.
Whether the Crisafulli Government rises to the challenge remains to be seen, but the tools for a brighter future are within reach. For the dolphins, turtles, rays, and whales that call these waters home, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
For more information or to view the counter, visit HSI’s website.
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