Shark expert’s ‘grave warning’ for swimmer safety before fatal attack

A leading shark researcher warned the Queensland Fisheries Department of “grave concerns” for swimmers near baited drumlines months before this week’s horrifying fatal attack.

Fears about shark attacks near drumlines were raised just months before the fatal attack.

A renowned marine researcher raised fears over Queensland’s controversial shark control program just months before this week’s Bribie Island shark attack tragedy.

Charlize Zmuda died after being attacked by a shark on Monday at Woorim Beach – a place protected by drumlines under Queensland’s controversial shark control program.

Friends and family of the ocean-loving 17-year-old continued to gather at Woorim Beach on Wednesday as a GoFundMe for the enthusiastic surf life saver soared past its target goal of $50,000.

Her death comes months after Envoy Foundation founder Andre Borell warned the department he had “some grave concerns that you are putting people at risk” at beaches with baited drumlines such as Woorim Beach and Nielson Beach at Bargara, which was also the scene of a serious shark attack in April last year.

Friend and family of Charlize Zmuda at Woorim beach, Bribe Island. Picture: Liam Kidston

Like the use of nets, often lambasted for the entanglement of marine mammals and turtles, the strategy of using baited hooks is also criticised with a perception it can actively attract sharks.

However, the Department of Primary Industries, which has oversight of Queensland Fisheries and the shark control program, says “there is no evidence to suggest drumlines attract sharks from outside targeted areas, or place swimmers in danger.

There are 18 baited drum lines off Woorim Beach.

Flowers left for Charlize Zmuda at Woorim beach, Bribe Island. Picture: Liam Kidston

Writing to the fisheries department, Mr Borell said Envoy Foundation researchers found a “concerning” number of instances where marine animals snared on baited drumlines had been attacked by large sharks, which in turn raised questions about the safety of swimmers at nearby beaches.

His submission, sent in April last year just days after a teenage girl survived an attack at Bargara, also included several photographs of marine animals allegedly hooked at baited drumlines which had sustained significant bite injuries from large ocean predators.

Mr Borell wrote to Queensland Premier David Crisafulli on Wednesday to repeat his fears.

Speaking to The Courier-Mail, Mr Borell said Envoy Foundation’s concerns had been ignored.

“We have long held concerns about not only about the ineffectiveness of the current program, but also its potential to actively bait beaches and attract sharks,” he said.

“We’ve raised these concerns with the department, and being ignored time and time again just heightens those concerns.”

Drone pilot Jayden Barrett, conducting a SharkSmart Drone Trial at Woorim beach, Bribe Island. Picture: Liam Kidston

In a statement, a spokesman for the Department of Primary Industries said drumlines were “designed to catch actively feeding sharks already in the area”.

“Drumlines are placed 300-500 metres offshore away from swimming areas and … there is no evidence to suggest they attract sharks from outside these areas, or place swimmers in danger,” the spokesman said.

Primary Industries Minister Tony Perrett said: “The focus should always be the safety of Queenslanders.”

On Bribie Island, flowers line the railing down to Woorim Beach in an emotional tribute to the Year 12 student killed on Monday.

“Dear Charlize, you were an amazing person, you always made me laugh, so thank you for being who you were,” a message on a bouquet of flowers said.

The beach remained closed on Wednesday while lifeguards were observed operating a SharkSmart drone searching for marine life.

Beach Closed sign at Woorim beach, Bribe Island. Picture: Liam Kidston

Originally published as Shark expert’s ‘grave warning’ for swimmer safety before fatal attack