Published Monday, 19 January, 2009 at 09:49 AM
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
79 sharks caught on Sunshine Coast beaches
A total of 79 sharks were caught in shark control equipment on the Sunshine Coast in 2008 – 25 more than in the previous year.
The largest of those caught was a 4 metre sandbar whaler which was captured at Bribie Island.
Primary Industries and Fisheries Minister Tim Mulherin said: “The majority of animals caught on the Sunshine Coast were tiger and bull sharks.
“There is a resident population of bull sharks in the canals and through the Bribie passage and the wetter conditions at the start of 2008 contributed to the increased catch as the sharks became more active chasing food flushed out by the rain.
“We would expect this bull shark population to continue to grow as the canal network on the Sunshine Coast continues to expand.
“The recent summer rainfall will mean the sharks will become more active in the murky waters as food sources move around.
“I’m encouraging people to take simple precautions such as avoiding swimming in river mouths, canals, and artificial lakes.”
There are 11 shark nets and 78 drumlines on the Sunshine Coast.
“Sharks strike fear into most people, but in reality the chances of being bitten by a shark are 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 largest of those caught was a 4 metre sandbar whaler which was captured at Bribie Island.
Primary Industries and Fisheries Minister Tim Mulherin said: “The majority of animals caught on the Sunshine Coast were tiger and bull sharks.
“There is a resident population of bull sharks in the canals and through the Bribie passage and the wetter conditions at the start of 2008 contributed to the increased catch as the sharks became more active chasing food flushed out by the rain.
“We would expect this bull shark population to continue to grow as the canal network on the Sunshine Coast continues to expand.
“The recent summer rainfall will mean the sharks will become more active in the murky waters as food sources move around.
“I’m encouraging people to take simple precautions such as avoiding swimming in river mouths, canals, and artificial lakes.”
There are 11 shark nets and 78 drumlines on the Sunshine Coast.
“Sharks strike fear into most people, but in reality the chances of being bitten by a shark are 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