Qld shark control program officially suspended

Queensland shark control program has been suspended in the Great Barrier Reef despite four shark attacks in the past six month, one fatal.

QUEENSLAND’S shark control program has been suspended in the Great Barrier Reef despite four shark attacks in the past six month, one fatal.

Fisheries Minister Mark Furner told the Parliament late this afternoon that the state did not have the technology to meet new conditions put on its drum line program by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.

Environmentalists win court battle over use of drumlines on reef

Shark attack survivor recovering in Mackay Base Hospital after being bitten on thigh off Hardy Reef

Shark attack off Hardy Reef, Queensland

In a major win for environmentalists, the AAT ordered an end to the killing of sharks caught on drumlines in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park unless necessary for animal welfare reasons.

Instead, it ordered tiger, bull and white sharks must be tagged and released, preferably within 24 hours.

“The AAT handed down a decision yesterday which imposes new permit conditions, commencing immediately, which necessitate that significant changes be made to Shark Control Program operations within the marine park,” Mr Furner said.

“At this time, our contractors do not have the appropriate capabilities to immediately comply with these new conditions.

“As a result, the decision has been taken to temporarily suspend the Shark Control Program within the boundaries of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.”

The Minister said the state would be appealing the decision, brought in a case by The Humane Society International.

One hundred and seventy-three lines will have their hooks removed in areas spanning the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

However 37 drumlines and two nets at Townsville, Mackay, Yeppoon and Tannum Sands will continue being used.

Other areas of the state, including the Gold Coast, are unaffected by the change.

The Minister said he had written to the Federal Government seeking its urgent support.

The appeal will be made to the Federal Court, but it is unknown how long it will take.