Published Monday, 19 January, 2009 at 09:46 AM
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
578 sharks caught in control program to protect Qld beaches
The largest was a 5.3 metre Tiger shark taken at Lamberts Beach Mackay last September.
Primary Industries and Fisheries Minister Tim Mulherin, who released the figures today, said: “The five largest sharks caught in 2008 were:
• a 5.3 metre and a 4.2 metre Tiger shark in Mackay
• a 4.9 metre Tiger shark on the Capricorn Coast (Emu Park)
• a 4.5m Tiger shark at Rainbow Beach (near Gympie), and
• a 4.2 metre tiger shark in Cairns.
“Any size shark can cause serious injury or death if they attack, however, sharks more than 2 metres in
length are particularly dangerous and are more likely to cause fatal injuries.
“Of the sharks caught in 2008, 260 were more than 2 metres in length – 4 more than in the previous year.
“A wetter start to 2008 and some ongoing rain has probably been the most likely reason for the increase in shark movement and catch.
“We would expect that the rain and warmer weather in recent weeks in south-east Queensland will see a further increase in shark movement, particularly for bull sharks.
“I’m reminding everyone about our safety messages when it comes to sharks. To reduce the risk of an attack, people should avoid swimming near river mouths, in canals, artificial lakes and waterways, particularly early in the morning, evening and at night.
“Beaches protected by shark control equipment and lifesaving services are certainly a safer option if going for a swim.
“While sharks strike fear into most people in reality the chances of being bitten by a shark are low,” Mr Mulherin said.
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries Shark Control Program manager Tony Ham said: “Townsville recorded the highest shark catch with 99 sharks caught in shark control equipment in 2008, this was closely followed by the Sunshine Coast where 79 sharks were taken. (Regional totals are listed below).
“Shark control equipment is in place off 85 Queensland beaches and includes nets and drumlines which are designed to attract and capture large and dangerous shark species in a particular area.
“In Queensland, the shark control program offers swimmers additional safety. While the program does not offer a impenetrable barrier between bathers and sharks, the shark control equipment is in place to remove large sharks from popular beaches,” Mr Ham said.
DPI&F are emphasising the rules about sharks and safe swimming practices which include:
• Swim or surf only at patrolled beaches and between the flags
• Obey lifesavers’ and lifeguards’ advice, and heed all sign and safety warnings
• Leave the water immediately if a shark is sighted
• Do not swim or surf after dusk, at night or before dawn when sharks are most active
• Do not swim or surf in murky waters
• Do not swim in or near mouths of estuaries, artificial canals and lakes
• Never swim alone
• Never swim when bleeding
• Do not swim near schools of fish or where fish are being cleaned
• Do not swim near or interfere with shark control equipment
• Do not swim with animals.
For more information about the Shark Control Program visit the DPI&F website at www.dpi.qld.gov.au/fishweb
|
Area |
2007 |
Biggest caught |
2008 |
Biggest caught |
|
Queensland-wide |
560 |
4.7m tiger - Mackay |
578 |
5.3m tiger - Mackay |
|
Gold Coast |
34 |
3.2m scalloped hammerhead |
34 |
2.9m white shark |
|
Point Lookout |
21 |
3.6m mako |
20 |
3.6m tiger |
|
Sunshine Coast |
54 |
4.0 sandbar whaler |
79 |
4.0m sandbar whaler |
|
Rainbow Beach |
53 |
3.7m dusky whaler |
45 |
4.5m tiger shark |
|
Bundaberg |
48 |
4.25m tiger shark |
53 |
4m tiger shark |
|
Tannum Sands |
49 |
3.25m tiger shark |
52 |
3.15m tiger shark |
|
Capricorn Coast |
83 |
4.2m tiger shark |
69 |
4.9m tiger shark |
|
Mackay |
68 |
4.7m tiger shark |
73 |
5.3m tiger shark |
|
Townsville |
74 |
4.2m tiger shark |
99 |
3.8m tiger shark |
|
Cairns |
76 |
3.6m tiger shark |
54 |
4.2m tiger shark |
Largest caught
|
2007 |
2008 |
|
4.7m tiger shark - Mackay |
5.3m tiger shark - Mackay |
|
4.3m tiger shark - Mackay |
4.9m tiger shark – Capricorn Coast |
|
4.25 tiger shark- Bundaberg |
4.5m tiger shark – Rainbow Beach |
|
4.2m tiger shark – Capricorn Coast |
4.2m tiger shark - Mackay |
|
4.2m tiger shark – Capricorn Coast |
4.2m tiger shark - Cairns |
Media: Mark Symons 32396530