Coast shark nets stopping attacks
Thu 05 November 2009
Daniel Dunkinson, Bachelor of Journalism
Summer is just around the corner which means clear skies and overcrowded beaches, but it also raises the possibility of a shark attack on the Sunshine Coast.
There has not been a fatal shark attack on the coast for almost 50 years, but the threat of an attack on Sunshine Coast beaches still remains.
The possibility of an attack could also be heightened if calls for shark nets to be removed from open beaches come to fruition.
Brisbane Times reported calls for the removal of the nets come after three whales became trapped in nets off the Gold Coast in the space of 32 days during whale migration season.
Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) say the nets are designed to catch sharks which are over 2m in length.
The nets are 186m in length with a depth size of 6m and mesh size of 500mm with the intention of preventing sharks from entering a particular area.
Although they do not completely prevent sharks from entering an area such as open beaches they aim to reduce the number of potentially dangerous sharks in the area.
Sea World’s director of marine sciences Trevor Long told The Sydney Morning Herald shark nets should be removed from beaches.
“They (the community) don't understand the amount of animals that are taken - turtles, dugongs, dolphins, turtles, rays - every year," he said.
"I've been trying to get the nets removed for ages."
Data from the DPI&F proves that shark nets on the coast are preventing dangerous sharks from entering open beaches.
The Sunshine Coast Daily reported there are a total of 11 shark nets across the coast from Caloundra to Noosa Heads.
During the period 2008-09, there were 72 sharks of all sizes caught in nets across the Sunshine Coast.
This was second only to Townsville in the data collected from 10 regions across Queensland.
Local surf lifesaver Michael Yates said that the data proved the shark nets were doing the exact job they are there to do, save lives.
“72 sharks stopped from coming closer to the beaches, in the space of a year is six a month, so they are definitely a help and not a hindrance,” he said.
“Its unfortunate that whales and other creatures are getting caught in the nets but none have been entangled up here (Sunshine Coast) so surely the most important thing is human life?.”
Despite many beaches being unprotected by shark nets, locals and visitors continue to use them, risking the possibility of a shark attack every time they go for a swim or a surf.
“Even though we haven’t had an attack in over 50 years, you have to remember that when you’re swimming or surfing you’re in their environment,” Mr Yates said.
In a recent press release, Minister of Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin, echoed the sentiments made by Mr Yates.
“Beaches protected by shark control equipment and lifesaving services are certainly a safer option if going for a swim,” he said.
“While sharks strike fear into most people in reality the chances of being bitten by a shark are low.”
Local surfer Josh Jackson said the possibility of a shark attack is always at the back of his mind but he wasn’t too worried about an attack.
“I’ve surfed all across the coast from kings beach to north point and down at the Gold Coast on beaches with nets and without nets and I’ve never felt nervous about being attacked,” he said.
“Most surfers know there is a chance you could be attacked while you’re out there but it doesn’t really enter your mind whilst you’re actually surfing.”
The Age reported that a study conducted by the University of Florida found Australia to be the second most likely country for a shark attack to occur.
It said the most recent attack on the Sunshine Coast occurred in 2006 when an 18 year old man was bitten on the foot whilst standing in less than 30cm of water.
Local fisherman believe that a shark attack is likely to occur in the shallower waters of the local river ways and estuary systems.
Mr Yates warned locals and tourists of becoming complacent about the possibility of a shark attack.
“Always take the necessary precautions by swimming on beaches which have shark nets and swim between the flags,” he said.
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