Shark nets to stay as Queensland government inject millions into program — but Gold Coast marine experts want change

The Government will allocate a record $17.1 million in the budget for its controversial shark control program — but a Gold Coast marine expert says there the current practices need to change.

GOLD Coast scientists have praised State Government investment into shark research but have called on it do more to prevent more wildlife becoming entangled in the traps.

The State Government yesterday announced $17.1 million in budget funding for the controversial shark control program which uses nets and drumlines at 86 Queensland locations.

About $4 million will go towards research into new technology such as drones.

Sea World Gold Coast Marine Sciences director Trevor Long said he was pleased government was investing in alternative technologies but said changes to current practices were needed.

COAST MARINE EXPERTS QUESTION USE OF SHARK NETS

An endangered scalloped hammerhead killed at the Magnetic Island nets Picture: HSI-AMCS-N McLachlan

“We have a problem with the kill rates the shark nets and drum lines cause,” Dr Long said.

“There needs to be a community summit where community groups can come together, review data and have their say.”

Last year, 102 animals were caught under Gold Coast shark control programs of which 16 were sharks considered a danger to humans, according to Humane Society International (HSI).

The rest was a mix of dolphins, turtles, sting rays and non-dangerous sharks.

Since the start of this year, 60 animals have been caught in the nets.

Dr Long said in he wanted to see more shark nets replaced with drumlines in the short-term because they had a lower kill rate.

ENTANGLED WHALES REIGNITE SHARK CONTROL DEBATE

A humpback whale entangled in the Gold Coast nets Picture: HSI-AMCS-N McLachlan

“While drumlines are still a nasty piece of work, turtles and dolphins that take bait off a drum line can at least get up and breathe,” he said.

“And what about the 33,000 humpback whales which will be coming through for migration season?”

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It became illegal last month for members of the public to come within 20 metres of a shark net in Queensland for safety reasons.

The new rule means researchers will not be able to document bycatch.

HSI marine campaigner Lawrence Chlebeck said: “It means we can’t get images and can’t document cases in the wildlife program which is a big deal because we can read about it, but it makes a big difference when we can see it.

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“The one thing about the Gold Coast is they have a much higher catch of whales than anywhere else.

“We’re disappointed, we thought it was important to document the wildlife caught and to have independent observation. Now that can’t happen anymore is a loss for the wildlife, for Queensland and for Australia.”

Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Mark Furner said the nets and drumlines would remain in place during the humpback migration season.

Minister Furner said human safety was top priority and nets and drumlines would be used until a better solution became available.

“Our position as a government is clear that we take human life as paramount, he said.

“I’m aware of some of different styles and techniques being used in northern beaches in NSW, and I’m not convinced at this point of time they’re the right measure to implement on the Gold Coast.”