3.2m great white shark caught in nets at Sharpes Beach
JUST three days after nets were rolled out along the northern NSW coast, a monster 3.2 metre great white has been snagged — one of five caught yesterday.
NSW
Don't miss out on the headlines from NSW. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A MONSTER 3.2m great white has become the first shark to be caught in nets on the north coast, just two days after they were installed to stop a spate of attacks.
The massive female was one of five great whites caught yesterday, with four others snagged on smart drumlines.
She was taken at Sharpes Beach, north of Ballina, at 11.30am — the same spot where surfer Seneca Rus, 25, was bitten on the leg in October.
The shark was tagged and released by Department of Primary Industry researchers Dr Paul Butcher and Dr Matt Broadhurst during one of the twice-daily net inspections.
She was the biggest shark caught yesterday. The others were a 3m great white at Lennox Head, one measuring 2.7m at South Ballina and two at Evans Head measuring 2.5m and 2.3m. All five will be tracked as part of the coastal surveillance program.
Primary Industries Minister Niall Blair said: “The last 48 hours have been busy for our researchers. Capturing, tagging and releasing five sharks in one morning is significant by any measure.”
Shark nets were rolled out at five north coast beaches last week ahead of the summer holidays.
The government had been resisting using nets, preferring “smart” technology for its $16 million shark mitigation program. The backdown came after tourism began to be suffer due to the attacks.
To appease conservationists, the government is keeping the nets in place for just six months.
The nets have also been deployed at Lighthouse, Shelly Beach at Ballina, Seven Mile Beach at Lennox Head and Evans Head Beach.
RELATED
There have been six shark attacks so far this year on the north and mid-north coasts.
The first 10 of an additional 85 smart drumlines were also installed on Thursday. Unlike traditional drumlines that often kill sharks, smart drumlines issue an alert to allow the sharks to be tagged and released alive.
Premier Mike Baird said: “I’m pleased the initial efforts of our trial have been successful and, while we can’t guarantee everyone’s safety, we will continue to do everything we can to keep swimmers and surfers safe.”
Sharpes Beach local Dave McCaffery yesterday said: “There were about 20 people on the beach and only one or two in the water and no deeper than waist. The locals are still a bit wary.
“It’s only a 150m long net and the beach is 800m so it’s a big watch and wait.”
Strike stalemate continues: Trains chaos to stretch into the weekend
Industrial chaos on the train network is set to continue on Saturday, with rail union boss Toby Warnes saying he will continue telling members to not turn up to work.
First look: next Cirque du Soleil spectacular touring Australia
Audiences in five Aussie cities are in store for a blend of “comedy and never-seen-before acrobatics” when Corteo arrives on our shores later this year. See the video.