2024-05-16 Notice of Motion - Cr Amelia Lorentson - SHARK CONTROL

Page 2

Noosa Council extends an invitation to the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) to present
their findings on the Shark Control Program. This presentation could be a valuable addition to the
Council report, providing comprehensive insights into the effectiveness and impact of the program.
The DAF’s expertise and firsthand experience with the Shark Control Program would offer a unique
perspective, potentially highlighting areas of success and identifying opportunities for improvement
for consideration by the Councillors.




                                                      9 May 2024

 Councillor Amelia Lorentson                          Date




COUNCILLOR COMMENT
Noosa Council is not responsible for managing shark nets or drumlines as it is the State
government's responsibility.
In September 2019, the Department of Agriculture & Fisheries (DAF) published the Queensland
Shark Control Program: Review of Alternative Approaches, which provides extensive data on current
shark protection devices, their bycatch, and potential future approaches.
The Queensland Shark Control Program aims to reduce the risk of shark bites by using shark nets
and drumlines across Queensland beaches. The program also conducts trials of new technology,
records all animals captured, and supports and conducts research to understand shark behaviour.
Noosa Council has no policy regarding shark nets, drumlines, and trials, and no previous report on
this matter has been presented to Council. It is essential to establish a clear policy position on this
issue as public opinion varies regarding the use of shark nets and drumlines. Some people prioritise
human safety, while others advocate for marine conservation. A clear policy can help balance these
perspectives and manage community expectations.
Noosa Council can play a significant role in advocating and supporting the Queensland Shark
Control Program by establishing a policy position. This way, Council can raise awareness about the
importance of the program. Noosa Council can also advocate for its clear objectives to the State and
actively engage in State-led trials and initiatives to drive the assessment and adoption of evidence-
based predatory species mitigation controls. And more importantly, advocate to ensure that the
program meets the needs and expectations of our community.
Also, the State Shark Control Program is expected to bring forward recommendations in June/July
2024. These recommendations may include replacing lethal drumlines with SMART drumlines and
phasing out shark meshing programs. Having a policy position would allow Noosa Council to respond
effectively to these recommendations.
Previous responses from the State government have indicated that the support of key stakeholders,
including Noosa Council, is vital in determining where trials and transitions occur.
Given these factors, it would be beneficial for the Noosa Council to have a clear policy position on
shark nets and drumlines. This would allow them to effectively engage with the community, respond
to State recommendations, and contribute to the ongoing discussion about shark control measures.
It’s important to note that any policy should be based on scientific evidence, community input, and a
commitment to both public safety and environmental sustainability.

Page 3

Noosa Council’s Environment Strategy
The Environment Strategy identifies key strategies, outcomes, and measurable targets related to our
environment.
Although the strategy primarily emphasises environmental conservation and sustainability, it also
recognises the importance of resident amenities and safety.
The Environment Strategy seeks to take a proactive approach to protect our marine environment
and encourage responsible management of our natural resources, for the benefit of both current and
future generations, while acknowledging that the safety and well-being of water users as an essential
consideration.
Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation (NBRF)
The NBRF has been working with DAF to implement several positive shark control measures. These
include a targeted Noosa Shark Smart education program, a trial of shark-spotting drones, and the
development of an alternative traditional drumline configuration. These initiatives aim to protect both
human and marine life across Noosa’s bays and beaches.
Shark Control Program, Qld Department of Agriculture and Fisheries
The Shark Control Program (SCP) operates under the Fisheries Act 1994 to minimize shark bites in
Queensland.
A thorough review of the program and its initiatives is scheduled from 2024 to 2025, aiming to inform
future shark management decisions for Queensland, including a new plan proposed for 2025 to
2026.
Current trials include the Shark Smart drone trial in partnership with Surf Life Saving Queensland
since September 2020, the Enhanced Aerial Shark Detection Trial statewide since October 2023,
the Catch Alert (SMART) drumline trial in Central and North Queensland since September 2021, and
the Circle Hook Trial statewide since December 2023.
Additionally, there are ongoing trials of alternative technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) for
enhanced detection and reduced pilot fatigue, multi/hyperspectral cameras in areas with higher
turbidity like North Queensland, and Extended Visual Line of Sight (EVLOS) flights to cover extended
areas like surf breaks beyond flagged zones.
These trials aim to improve shark mitigation while maximizing survival rates and public safety,
supported by ongoing research projects aligned with the SCP and Queensland's research strategy.
Conclusion
The use of shark nets and drumlines is a topic that divides some of our community. While some
people believe that these measures can protect humans from shark attacks, others argue that there
are better alternatives. Although research suggests that nets may be effective, many scientists
believe that relying solely on them is a misguided approach. Therefore, it is crucial to explore other
options that are based on current technology and data.
Given the contentious nature of the use of shark nets and drumlines, Noosa Council needs to take
a clear policy position and define its role. By involving all stakeholders in the discussion and taking
into account their perspectives, the Council can make an informed decision that reflects the views of
the wider community. A clear policy position will also allow Council to work with and advocate to the
State government to implement innovative solutions that balance public safety with the protection of
marine ecosystems.
Furthermore, this will enable Council to respond effectively to the recommendations of the State
Shark Control Program, which are expected to be published in June or July this year.
Consultation:
   • Shark Net Working Group
   • Surfrider Sunshine Coast
   • Noosa Surfing Community Alliance

Page 4

   •   Noosa Heads Surf Lifesaving Club
   •   Noosa Biosphere Reserve
   •   Noosa World Surfing Reserve
   •   Noosa Board Riders Club
   •   Noosa Malibu Club
   •   Hasting Street Association
   •   Tourism Noosa
   •   Beach permit Holders/surf schools
Links to additional information:

The Shark Control Program webpage has just been revised:
https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/news-media/campaigns/sharksmart

Positive Steps for Shark Control Measures:
https://noosabiopshere.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/220411

Shark Nets on Noosa Main Beach -Noosa MP Survey Results April 2024:
https://www.sandybolton.com/shark-nets-on-noosa-main-beach-noosa-mp-survey-results-april-
2024
Australian Government response to the Senate Environment and Communications References
Committee report: Shark mitigation and deterrent measures:
https://www.dcceew.gov.au/about/reporting/obligations/government-responses/shark-mitigation-
deterrent-measures

Qld Government information about humpback whales:
https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/plants-animals/animals/discovering-wildlife/whales

Humpback whale population estimates:
https://esj-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/1438-390X.1014

Analysis of humpback whale entanglements in shark control nets:
https://zslpublications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/rse2.133

South African Designed Shark Safe Barriers Redefine Ocean Safety Worldwide:
https://www.sharkguardian.org/post/beyond-the-blue-south-african-designed-shark-barriers-
redefine-ocean-safety-worldwide-ensuring-pro

DAFs Marine Animal Release Teams have just completed their annual training and whale
alarms will be going on the nets during the next changeover.

Early notification of entanglements to DAFs hotline 1800 806 891 is really important to enable
the MART team to respond quickly.

Additional information is available regarding what DAF is doing to reduce the risk of entanglements:
https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/news-media/campaigns/sharksmart/program/impact

DAF is also assisting with The Blue Biosphere research project with the installation of monitoring
equipment in the region:
https://noosabiosphere.org.au/portfolio/blue-biosphere/

DAF also met recently with researchers from the University of Queensland who are researching
whale deterrents:
https://researchers.uq.edu.au/research-project/62625

Page 5

Noosa SCP catch 2019-2023:

ee ion eee Operations — Noosa fA Dec 1961 | FATAL | Noosa Heads — Laguna Bay / Quick facts coe surfer died after being bitten by a 3m bull shark (species A Wes: KEIRA ef tary f + 2nets * eg ; fA Jan 2001 | UNINJURED | Noosa Main Beach + 3drumlines : Ne Y i 4 Asurfer’s board was bitten by a tiger shark (species unconfirmed). A Sunshine Beach ee = Wat) f ‘ * 3 drumlines Sieg f A Feb 2002 | INJURED | Sunrise Beach A Sunrise Beach p A surfer required stiches after being bitten on the leg by a whaler shark * 3drumlines (species unconfirmed) ‘North Peregian Beach 1 A Jan 2013 | INJURED | Noosa Heads ~ Sigrumines A surfer suffered minor lacerations to his neck and torso from a tiger shark bite A Glen Eden Beach (species unconfirmed). * 3 drumlines q f Peregian Beach F + 3drumlines s : Source: Australian Shark Incident Database om 7 Noosa SCP catch 2019-2023: Sum of Number Caught Column Labels -T = Drum Drum Total -'Net Net Total Grand Total Row Labels v [FALSE lTRUE FALSE TRUE - TARGET 23 10 33 16 3 19 52 BULL WHALER 1 1 2 11 11 13 DUSKY WHALER 1 1 3 3 = TIGER SHARK 20 9 29 2 2 4 33 WHITE SHARK 1 1 1 1 2 — NON-TARGET 2 2 4 96 18 114 118 BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN 3 3 3 COMMON DOLPHIN 2 2 2 COWNOSE RAY 1 1 2 2 DEVILRAY * 4 1 as 5 DUGONG 2 2 2 EAGLE RAY * 2 2 2 FOSSIL SHARK 1 1 1 GIANT TREVALLY 1 1 1 | GREATHAMMERHEAD 1 15 1s GREEN TURTLE 1 1 1 GREY NURSE SHARK 1 1 2 2 HAMMERHEAD SHARK * 1 1 1 HUMPBACK WHALE 5 5 5 LOGGERHEAD TURTLE 1 1 = 4 5 45 45 45 1 1 1 1 2 3 MANTA RAY 2 1 3 3 MARLIN 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 SCALLOPED HAMMERHEAD 5 ss 5 SEA SNAKE 1 1 1 TUNA 8 8 8 UNKNOWN SHARK 1 1 1 WHITE-SPOTTED EAGLE 2 2 2 Grand Total 25 12 37 112 oe 133 170

Page 6

Noosa SCP catch 2019-2023:

Noosa SCP catch 2019-2023: SPECIES | TARGET PE BULL WHALER Pe ta te Et] DUSKY WHALER Pt TIGER SHARK Pl Et 3] WHITE SHARK Pa EF TOTAL Pst to ts} CET SCL 8 | Netcatch | NON-TARGET es GD re QO GO BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN PE te COMMON DOLPHIN pF tt Ee COWNOSE RAY pa a et DEVILRAY * Rs GD rr | © | en ] DUGONG pt EAGLE RAY * pt FOSSIL SHARK a a Ee GIANT TREVALLY PE a GREAT HAMMERHEAD pts ts} Ets | GREEN TURTLE PE a a GREY NURSE SHARK Ea a et HAMMERHEADSHARK® | | | | TT HUMPBACK WHALE po CES LOGGERHEAD TURTLE pa a st ES LONG NOSE WHALER PO ts ss MAKO pa at MANTA RAY pt st MARLIN a Ee PIGEYE WHALER pa SANDBAR WHALER Pe SCALLOPEDHAMMERHEAD | | | CT CTC CTS SEA SNAKE Ea TUNA PE tt UNKNOWN SHARK Ea a Ee WHite-spoTreDeacle =| ||| CT TOTAL Po Ef tf tts} Lt] ii 6m Cele) ) ee 7 ae ae com ou od Ww dD vi Lae ———_———_———— eee 124m to 186m — ——————?> ey et fr Th D= Acoustic dolphin pinger (year round) W = Acoustic whale pinger (May to November) viele)

Page 7

To all Councillors and Directors
I hereby notify that Cr Lorentson intends to move the motion as shown above at the Ordinary Meeting
dated 16 May 2024




                                                         9 May 2024

 Chief Executive Officer                                 Date