Great white shark caught in Sunshine Coast’s Mudjimba Beach drum line
A confronting video showing what happens to a great white shark after it was caught in a drum line at a popular Sunshine Coast beach has sparked furious online debate and divided the community.
Sunshine Coast
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A viral video showing a great white shark being towed to sea after being caught on a drum line at a popular Sunshine Coast beach has again sparked debate about shark control.
In the video that was posted anonymously and had attracted more than 200 comments and 37 shares on a single Facebook post, after being published for less than a day, viewers could see footage of a dead shark being dragged behind a boat.
A Department of Agriculture and Fisheries spokesman said the department was aware of the footage showing the shark being towed behind a shark control program contractor’s boat.
“The great white shark was caught on a drum line off Mudjimba Beach in August, euthanised then towed offshore in accordance with standard procedures,” he said.
The post attracted much discussion about shark control measures along the coastline, with many commenters remarking that the death was “sad” and that other forms of deterrents could be used.
“If you surf, and don’t respect the ocean and its inhabitants, shame on you,” one commenter stated.
“I thought we were all more in tune with our environment than that and in agreeance that the nets need to go.”
Others commented that they were glad the nets were along the coastline.
“Great news, good job guys,” another commenter stated.
“Not a fan of the whites.
“Keep the nets there (sic) clearly doing their job.”
More than 20 beaches on the Sunshine Coast have shark nets and drumlines offshore.
Footage released last week of a dolphin hooked on a drum line at Kawana also prompted fresh calls for a new approach to shark control.
The department’s website states that shark nets and drumlines are used to catch sharks passing through an area and a 20m exclusion zone is enforced around shark control equipment.
The department spokesman said the shark control program aimed to reduce the risk of shark bites at 86 of Queensland’s most popular beaches and the department was trialling new technologies and promoting education.
“No major changes will be made to the program until these trials have been completed, analysed, and determined whether they are effective for Queensland conditions,” the spokesman said.
He said trialling drones and catch alert drumlines were “key priorities” under the current plan.
Of the 83 animals caught in the nets so far this year off the Sunshine Coast, 68 have been sharks.
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