PREDATORS CAUGHT OFF OUR SHORES
NEARLY one shark is killed every three days in waters off the Townsville coast as part of the State Government’s protection program, but researchers say there is no conclusive evidence to suggest the risk to humans is in any way reduced.
The latest Queensland Shark Protection Program data revealed 114 sharks and other fish were caught on baited drum lines off Townsville and Magnetic Island last financial year – half of all sharks and other sea life caught between Gladstone and Cairns.
A total of 33 sharks and a cod were caught off Horseshoe Bay, 23 in Florence Bay, 14 in Alma Bay and 12 off The Strand.
Of the sharks destroyed, 36 were tiger sharks, and 58 were different varieties of whalers.
The cod was one of six fish released alive after being found on the baited drum lines, while 20 were euthanased and 88 found dead.
James Cook University marine biologist Colin Simpfendorfer said the Government may suggest that the program was working be- cause there has been only one shark- related death in waters monitored by the program since the ’ 60s, but the reality was there was no conclusive evidence.
“It is possible that the risk has decreased, the problem is we have no real scientific evidence as to whether the risk to humans has changed at all through that time as a result of the program,” he said.
“The reality is these programs can’t make people 100 per cent safe, it’s just not possible. You’d have to remove all the sharks for that to happen.
“Shark bites are extremely rare events so it’s hard to come to any real scientific conclusion about those benefits, both perceived and real.”
Melburnian Hannah Papps, 12, and Tasmanian Justine Barwick, 46, remain in hospital in Brisbane after being attacked by sharks at Cid Harbour within 24 hours of each other last week.
Queensland Shark Control Program manager Jeff Krause said based on evidence to date, traditional capture methods remained the most effective to reduce shark attack risks.
“Drum lines are effective at catching species such as tiger sharks, which are more prevalent in North Queensland, whereas shark nets are a more effective measure for species such as the aggressive bull shark, which are more prevalent in southeast Queensland,” he said.
The Department of Fisheries said there were no plans to expand the shark protection program at this stage.