Published Wednesday, 04 June, 2008 at 11:01 AM
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
DPI&F ready for whale migration season
The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries is ready for the whale migration season with whales having already been spotted off the Queensland coast.
Speaking in Queensland Parliament today, Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin said that approximately 9500 whales were expected to migrate along the Queensland coastline this year.
“Due to the ever-increasing population of whales travelling along Queensland’s coastline it is inevitable that some may become entangled in shark control equipment,” Mr Mulherin said
“DPI&F has a range of measures in place to ensure whale entanglements are infrequent, and that those animals which are caught have the best possible chance of being freed quickly and unharmed.
“For example, acoustic markers have been fitted to shark nets throughout Queensland to help in deterring whales from coming too close to the equipment during this migration season.
“Should a whale become entangled, DPI&F also has highly-trained Marine Animal Release teams based on the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and in Mackay, which can respond to free the animal.
“In addition to these current measures, DPI&F continues to invest in research and development to look at ways of improving shark control equipment to limit non-targeted -catch such as whales while also maintaining a high level of bather safety.
“Since 2000, 22 whales have been caught in shark netting in Queensland. Of these entanglements, 19 whales have been successfully freed by the MARTs.
“While any entanglement is unfortunate, I make no apologies for the Shark Control Program,’’ Mr Mulherin said.
“Shark nets and drumlines are in place off 84 Queensland beaches to reduce the risk to bathers from shark attacks.’’
DPI&F Shark Control Program Manager Tony Ham said entanglements generally occurred late in the migration season around August and September when young, inexperienced whales are on their way back from the northern breeding waters.
“It is crucial to freeing an entangled animal to be informed early,’’ Mr Ham said.
“As soon as we are notified, Marine Animal Release teams can be on the scene to assist the animal.’’
Anyone who suspects an animal has become entangled should call the DPI&F Shark Hotline on 1800 806 891.
Marine Animal Release Team training will be taking on the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast and Mackay during June and July.
Media:
Minister’s office:32396530
DPI&F: Kirsten Phillips 3224 7757
NOTE: Specific dates, locations and times for Marine Animal Release Team training will be released in early June for interested media to attend.
Speaking in Queensland Parliament today, Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin said that approximately 9500 whales were expected to migrate along the Queensland coastline this year.
“Due to the ever-increasing population of whales travelling along Queensland’s coastline it is inevitable that some may become entangled in shark control equipment,” Mr Mulherin said
“DPI&F has a range of measures in place to ensure whale entanglements are infrequent, and that those animals which are caught have the best possible chance of being freed quickly and unharmed.
“For example, acoustic markers have been fitted to shark nets throughout Queensland to help in deterring whales from coming too close to the equipment during this migration season.
“Should a whale become entangled, DPI&F also has highly-trained Marine Animal Release teams based on the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and in Mackay, which can respond to free the animal.
“In addition to these current measures, DPI&F continues to invest in research and development to look at ways of improving shark control equipment to limit non-targeted -catch such as whales while also maintaining a high level of bather safety.
“Since 2000, 22 whales have been caught in shark netting in Queensland. Of these entanglements, 19 whales have been successfully freed by the MARTs.
“While any entanglement is unfortunate, I make no apologies for the Shark Control Program,’’ Mr Mulherin said.
“Shark nets and drumlines are in place off 84 Queensland beaches to reduce the risk to bathers from shark attacks.’’
DPI&F Shark Control Program Manager Tony Ham said entanglements generally occurred late in the migration season around August and September when young, inexperienced whales are on their way back from the northern breeding waters.
“It is crucial to freeing an entangled animal to be informed early,’’ Mr Ham said.
“As soon as we are notified, Marine Animal Release teams can be on the scene to assist the animal.’’
Anyone who suspects an animal has become entangled should call the DPI&F Shark Hotline on 1800 806 891.
Marine Animal Release Team training will be taking on the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast and Mackay during June and July.
Media:
Minister’s office:32396530
DPI&F: Kirsten Phillips 3224 7757
NOTE: Specific dates, locations and times for Marine Animal Release Team training will be released in early June for interested media to attend.