Published Monday, 19 January, 2009 at 09:50 AM
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
69 sharks caught on Capricorn Coast
A total of 69 sharks were caught in shark control equipment on the Capricorn Coast in 2008 – 14 less than in the previous year.
The biggest shark caught in the area was a 4.9 metre tiger shark caught at Emu Park beach in May 2008.
Primary Industries and Fisheries Minister Tim Mulherin said: “The majority of animals caught in the Capricorn Coast area 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.
There are 54 drumlines on the Capricorn Coast from Emu Park to Farnborough Beach.
“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 4.9 metre tiger shark caught at Emu Park beach in May 2008.
Primary Industries and Fisheries Minister Tim Mulherin said: “The majority of animals caught in the Capricorn Coast area 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.
There are 54 drumlines on the Capricorn Coast from Emu Park to Farnborough Beach.
“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