DAF Shark Control Program - Recommended Council Policy Position · Report

GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING                                                                17 JUNE 2024


Shark control equipment deployed within Laguna Bay, Noosa, regularly record the highest annual
catch rates of bull sharks across the Queensland Shark Control Program (DAF 2024).

During the annual humpback whale migration season from May to September, the chance of
humpback whales (and other cetaceans) becoming entangled in shark nets increases. It should be
noted that during this time of year, increased numbers of white sharks are also present within
Sunshine Coast waters. More than 30,000 humpback whales migrate along the Queensland
coastline each year and, on average, fewer than 6 become entangled in nets or drumlines (DAF
2024). It is also noted that other bycatch species may be incidentally captured in shark control
equipment. All catch data (including bycatch) is accessible to the public through the DAF web page:
https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/news-media/campaigns/sharksmart/research/data

Fisheries Queensland marine animal release teams (MART) are located on the Gold Coast,
Sunshine Coast and Mackay.
DAF minimises environmental impacts on non target species through:
   •   using shark control contractors to regularly check nets and drumlines for captured animals,
       and releasing non-target shark species and other animals alive whenever possible
   •   using drumlines instead of nets where possible, as marine mammals are less likely to be
       entangled in drumlines
   •   using electronic warning devices (pingers) to deter whales and dolphins from swimming near
       nets and drumlines
   •   using alternative baits or apparatus configurations to reduce the incidences of dolphins and
       turtles being caught on drumlines or in nets
   •   conducting a comparative trial of circle hooks and J hooks to assess the effect on catches of
       target sharks, non-target sharks and other marine animals

THE QUEENSLAND SHARK MANAGEMENT PLAN (2021–2025)
The Queensland Shark Management Plan aims to reduce the risk of shark bites in Queensland
coastal waters by:
   •   maintaining nets and drumlines at beaches while continually improving operations to
       minimise the impact on the environment,
   •   supporting research to understand how to reduce the risk of shark bites,
   •   undertaking trials of alternative shark bite mitigation technologies to determine their suitability
       for Queensland conditions, and
   •   educating people to be SharkSmart every time they are on or in the water.
The Queensland Shark Management Plan is available for public viewing at:
https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/business-priorities/fisheries/shark-control-program/plan

THE STATE’S POSITION ON CHANGES TO THE SHARK CONTROL PROGRAM
The Queensland Government’s position on any potential future changes to the Shark Control
Program is detailed as per below, and within the Queensland Shark Management Plan;

“The Queensland Government is committed to reviewing and adapting the program in line with
emerging science and community expectations. The government always puts the safety of people
first and will not make changes until effective alternatives suitable for Queensland conditions are
identified and proven.”

DAF advised at the recent Council workshop, that the State government are awaiting the outcomes
of all current trials, along with recommendations from the Queensland Shark Control Program
Scientific Working Group to inform the review of the Shark Management Plan. Any potential changes