The Queensland Crisafulli government's 'new' Shark Control Program—that will amp up the slaughter of sharks—looks like it was written in the 1900's and flies in the face of conservation science while doing nothing to improve swimmer safety.
The news was revealed today in a Courier Mail exclusive with animal welfare organisation Humane World for Animals calling it a retrograde and irresponsible approach.
'There is absolutely no scientific reason to do this. Scientists have long ruled out culling sharks as an effective public safety measure. So, despite what Tony Perrett says, let's not pretend this is being done with public safety in mind. We know that Queensland's fishing industry has lobbied the Crisafulli Government over sharks stealing their fish,' said Lawrence Chlebeck, marine biologist with Humane World for Animals.
'If the Queensland Government is serious about public safety, they would be look at the science and invest completely in the modern alternatives that are proven to work,' he said.
Several beaches have been earmarked for extra shark nets or drumlines including, Pacific (Palm Beach) and The Spit on the Gold Coast; Happy Valley, Coolum North and Peregian North on the Sunshine Coast, and Elliott Heads and Moore Park at Wide Bay.
The Crisafulli Government will lose their exemption for the Shark Control Program under Australia's federal environment law if they continue with their proposal to expand lethal shark culling.
'The Crisafulli Government knows full well that their exemption is at risk. That exemption only continues if the program does not expand or intensify. The Queensland Government is simply playing politics. They know they'll lose the fight legally, but they are making a show of being supportive to the fishing industry. It's a complete waste of time and a thinly veiled ruse,' he said.
It is also playing politics with a very sensitive public safety and conservation issue, according to Chlebeck.
'The removal of apex predators from the food chain can cause an ecological collapse—known as a trophic cascade—where the natural populations of other species either explode or disappear as the predator/prey balance is distorted,' he said.
'The Queensland coast is already home to fragile World Heritage marine ecosystems. Now the Queensland Government wants to declare war on the top of the food chain—the lack of thinking here is frightening and absurd. It will cause the death of a huge number of non-target animals that are casualties of the program.'
While concern rises over the ecological collapse of our oceans globally, the Queensland government's decision to kill more sharks and other wildlife is an astounding move and a betrayal of what the Crisafulli Government told the animal welfare sector going into last year's state election.
'The Government said they were receptive to non-lethal shark control measures in a scorecard on the parties' election policies. In 2019 former LNP leader Deb Frecklington promised a $15m investment in SMART drumlines which are intended to release sharks unharmed. While we acknowledge the increase in drone surveillance, the increased use of shark nets and traditional lethal drumlines is a is a slap in the face to every Queensland voter who cares about the health of the marine environment and voted accordingly.
'Queensland has one of the most beautiful marine environments in the world. It needs to be protected and that means everything in it,' Chlebeck said.
'Today's policy decision makes politicians more safe and Queensland beaches less safe by taking the focus off the personal responsibility and education in beach safety,' he warned.
Last year (2024) saw 1,639 animals caught in the program, including 22 whales and dolphins, 37 turtles, and 46 rays. More than 980 were killed.
Key Facts:
The Queensland Shark Control Program of lethal drumlines and shark nets will be expanded geographically
There is no scientific evidence that culling sharks works. Non-lethal shark management such as drone and other surveillance systems, physical barriers and shark deterrent devices are more effective at protecting public safety
The public safety reasoning could be a red herring. Fishers have been complaining about shark depredation of their catches.
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About Humane World for Animals
Together, we tackle the root causes of animal cruelty and suffering to create permanent change. With millions of supporters and work happening in over 50 countries, Humane World for Animals—formerly called Humane Society International—addresses the most deeply entrenched forms of animal cruelty and suffering. As the leading voice in the animal protection space, we work to end the cruelest practices, care for animals in crisis and build a stronger animal protection movement. Driving toward the greatest global impact, we aim to achieve the vision behind our name: a more humane world. humaneworld.org.au
