5.3 metre tiger shark caught at Mackay
Published Monday, 19 January, 2009 at 09:51 AM
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
The largest shark caught under Queensland’s shark control program in 2008 was a 5.3 metre Tiger shark - taken off Mackay in September at Lamberts Beach.
A 4.2 metre tiger shark, the 3rd largest for the year, was also captured at Mackay at Bucasia Beach also in September
It was the second year in a row that Mackay recorded the state’s largest shark – a 4.7 metre beast, also a Tiger shark, was caught off Mackay at Harbour Beach in August 2007.
Primary Industries and Fisheries Minister and Member for Mackay Tim Mulherin said: “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.
”Mackay has a long history of big Tiger sharks, in fact in the past ten years it has produced 63 tiger sharks 3.5 metres or greater. The 5.3 metre shark is the biggest for that period though.
“Mackay is considered to be a highly productive marine environment that is appealing to sharks which probably also accounts for it having one the largest catches of bull sharks as well.”
There are five shark nets and 27 drum lines in the Mackay area, from Harbour Beach to Bucasia Beach.
In total 73 sharks were caught in the Mackay area in 2008 compared to 68 sharks the previous year.
Mr Mulherin said: “Shark interactions with humans strike fear into most people, but in reality the chances of being bitten by a shark are relatively low.
“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.
“To reduce the risk of a shark 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,” 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
A 4.2 metre tiger shark, the 3rd largest for the year, was also captured at Mackay at Bucasia Beach also in September
It was the second year in a row that Mackay recorded the state’s largest shark – a 4.7 metre beast, also a Tiger shark, was caught off Mackay at Harbour Beach in August 2007.
Primary Industries and Fisheries Minister and Member for Mackay Tim Mulherin said: “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.
”Mackay has a long history of big Tiger sharks, in fact in the past ten years it has produced 63 tiger sharks 3.5 metres or greater. The 5.3 metre shark is the biggest for that period though.
“Mackay is considered to be a highly productive marine environment that is appealing to sharks which probably also accounts for it having one the largest catches of bull sharks as well.”
There are five shark nets and 27 drum lines in the Mackay area, from Harbour Beach to Bucasia Beach.
In total 73 sharks were caught in the Mackay area in 2008 compared to 68 sharks the previous year.
Mr Mulherin said: “Shark interactions with humans strike fear into most people, but in reality the chances of being bitten by a shark are relatively low.
“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.
“To reduce the risk of a shark 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,” 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