Townsville shark catch tops State
Published Monday, 19 January, 2009 at 09:48 AM
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
A total of 99 sharks were caught in shark control equipment in Townsville in 2008 – 25 more than in the previous year and the highest catch in the State.
The biggest shark caught in the area was a 3.8 metre tiger shark caught at Horseshoe Bay on Magnetic Island.
Primary Industries and Fisheries Minister Tim Mulherin said: “The majority of animals caught in Townsville were tiger sharks.
“Tiger sharks occur along the entire Queensland coastline and they’re a large shark so it’s not a surprise that the biggest shark caught is a tiger,” Mr Mulherin said.
“Townsville is considered to be a highly productive marine environment that is appealing to sharks which is why it accounts for having the largest catch of sharks in the State.”
There are 54 drumlines in Townsville.
“Sharks strike fear into most people, but in reality the chances of being bitten by a shark are relatively low,” Mr Mulherin said.
“Far more people are killed each year by lightning than sharks.
“In Queensland, the shark control program offers swimmers additional safety.
“While the program does not offer an impenetrable barrier between bathers and sharks, the shark control equipment is in place to remove large sharks from popular bathing areas.
“Sharks are a natural part of the marine environment and when we enter the water we are entering their domain.
“Beaches protected by shark control equipment and lifesaving services are certainly a safer option if going for a swim,” Mr Mulherin 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
Media: Mark Symons 32396530
The biggest shark caught in the area was a 3.8 metre tiger shark caught at Horseshoe Bay on Magnetic Island.
Primary Industries and Fisheries Minister Tim Mulherin said: “The majority of animals caught in Townsville were tiger sharks.
“Tiger sharks occur along the entire Queensland coastline and they’re a large shark so it’s not a surprise that the biggest shark caught is a tiger,” Mr Mulherin said.
“Townsville is considered to be a highly productive marine environment that is appealing to sharks which is why it accounts for having the largest catch of sharks in the State.”
There are 54 drumlines in Townsville.
“Sharks strike fear into most people, but in reality the chances of being bitten by a shark are relatively low,” Mr Mulherin said.
“Far more people are killed each year by lightning than sharks.
“In Queensland, the shark control program offers swimmers additional safety.
“While the program does not offer an impenetrable barrier between bathers and sharks, the shark control equipment is in place to remove large sharks from popular bathing areas.
“Sharks are a natural part of the marine environment and when we enter the water we are entering their domain.
“Beaches protected by shark control equipment and lifesaving services are certainly a safer option if going for a swim,” Mr Mulherin 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
Media: Mark Symons 32396530