❓ A WA parliamentary question addresses the Department of Fisheries regarding research into shark netting and its potential implementation in Western Australia, given its use on the eastern seaboard. The Minister responds that while the department hasn't conducted specific research, the Shark Hazard Committee has considered the issue.
AnsweredQoN 948Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
SHARK NETTING
I refer to shark netting as used on the eastern seaboard to mitigate shark attacks there. (1) Has the Department of Fisheries carried out any research or studies on the applicability of this technology to Western Australian beaches? (2) If yes to (1), when, and can the minister table any reports resulting from those studies or research? (3) If no to (1), on what basis has the department rejected the use of shark netting in Western Australia? Hon NORMAN MOORE
I refer to shark netting as used on the eastern seaboard to mitigate shark attacks there. (1) Has the Department of Fisheries carried out any research or studies on the applicability of this technology to Western Australian beaches? (2) If yes to (1), when, and can the minister table any reports resulting from those studies or research? (3) If no to (1), on what basis has the department rejected the use of shark netting in Western Australia? Hon NORMAN MOORE
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) No. However, the Shark Hazard Committee has considered the issue. (2) Not applicable. (3) The Shark Hazard Committee comprises membership from the Department of Fisheries, local government authorities, the Department of Environment and Conservation, Surf Life Saving Western Australia and other relevant authorities. The committee has considered the use of shark netting and has gathered information from experts in other states. The committee has found conflicting evidence from other jurisdictions, such as New South Wales and Queensland, surrounding the effectiveness of beach netting. Given the topography and oceanography of Western Australia’s coast, most beaches are not suited to securing nets. None of the three recent fatal shark attacks occurred in areas where netting could be considered as a viable management option. Where nets have been deployed, a significant incidental loss of protected species and other fauna such as dolphins has occurred. In many cases, nets are not permanently deployed and when they are, they do not fully isolate the beach from the ocean, so sharks can still enter the area. Nevertheless, the government is considering all possible options in response to the recent fatal attacks. The viability of shark netting is still being assessed.
(1) Has the Department of Fisheries carried out any research or studies on the applicability of this technology to Western Australian beaches? (2) If yes to (1), when, and can the minister table any reports resulting from those studies or research? (3) If no to (1), on what basis has the department rejected the use of shark netting in Western Australia? Hon NORMAN MOORE replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) No. However, the Shark Hazard Committee has considered the issue. (2) Not applicable. (3) The Shark Hazard Committee comprises membership from the Department of Fisheries, local government authorities, the Department of Environment and Conservation, Surf Life Saving Western Australia and other relevant authorities. The committee has considered the use of shark netting and has gathered information from experts in other states. The committee has found conflicting evidence from other jurisdictions, such as New South Wales and Queensland, surrounding the effectiveness of beach netting. Given the topography and oceanography of Western Australia’s coast, most beaches are not suited to securing nets. None of the three recent fatal shark attacks occurred in areas where netting could be considered as a viable management option. Where nets have been deployed, a significant incidental loss of protected species and other fauna such as dolphins has occurred. In many cases, nets are not permanently deployed and when they are, they do not fully isolate the beach from the ocean, so sharks can still enter the area. Nevertheless, the government is considering all possible options in response to the recent fatal attacks. The viability of shark netting is still being assessed.
(2) If yes to (1), when, and can the minister table any reports resulting from those studies or research? (3) If no to (1), on what basis has the department rejected the use of shark netting in Western Australia? Hon NORMAN MOORE replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) No. However, the Shark Hazard Committee has considered the issue. (2) Not applicable. (3) The Shark Hazard Committee comprises membership from the Department of Fisheries, local government authorities, the Department of Environment and Conservation, Surf Life Saving Western Australia and other relevant authorities. The committee has considered the use of shark netting and has gathered information from experts in other states. The committee has found conflicting evidence from other jurisdictions, such as New South Wales and Queensland, surrounding the effectiveness of beach netting. Given the topography and oceanography of Western Australia’s coast, most beaches are not suited to securing nets. None of the three recent fatal shark attacks occurred in areas where netting could be considered as a viable management option. Where nets have been deployed, a significant incidental loss of protected species and other fauna such as dolphins has occurred. In many cases, nets are not permanently deployed and when they are, they do not fully isolate the beach from the ocean, so sharks can still enter the area. Nevertheless, the government is considering all possible options in response to the recent fatal attacks. The viability of shark netting is still being assessed.
(3) If no to (1), on what basis has the department rejected the use of shark netting in Western Australia? Hon NORMAN MOORE replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) No. However, the Shark Hazard Committee has considered the issue. (2) Not applicable. (3) The Shark Hazard Committee comprises membership from the Department of Fisheries, local government authorities, the Department of Environment and Conservation, Surf Life Saving Western Australia and other relevant authorities. The committee has considered the use of shark netting and has gathered information from experts in other states. The committee has found conflicting evidence from other jurisdictions, such as New South Wales and Queensland, surrounding the effectiveness of beach netting. Given the topography and oceanography of Western Australia’s coast, most beaches are not suited to securing nets. None of the three recent fatal shark attacks occurred in areas where netting could be considered as a viable management option. Where nets have been deployed, a significant incidental loss of protected species and other fauna such as dolphins has occurred. In many cases, nets are not permanently deployed and when they are, they do not fully isolate the beach from the ocean, so sharks can still enter the area. Nevertheless, the government is considering all possible options in response to the recent fatal attacks. The viability of shark netting is still being assessed.
Hon NORMAN MOORE replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) No. However, the Shark Hazard Committee has considered the issue. (2) Not applicable. (3) The Shark Hazard Committee comprises membership from the Department of Fisheries, local government authorities, the Department of Environment and Conservation, Surf Life Saving Western Australia and other relevant authorities. The committee has considered the use of shark netting and has gathered information from experts in other states. The committee has found conflicting evidence from other jurisdictions, such as New South Wales and Queensland, surrounding the effectiveness of beach netting. Given the topography and oceanography of Western Australia’s coast, most beaches are not suited to securing nets. None of the three recent fatal shark attacks occurred in areas where netting could be considered as a viable management option. Where nets have been deployed, a significant incidental loss of protected species and other fauna such as dolphins has occurred. In many cases, nets are not permanently deployed and when they are, they do not fully isolate the beach from the ocean, so sharks can still enter the area. Nevertheless, the government is considering all possible options in response to the recent fatal attacks. The viability of shark netting is still being assessed.
I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) No. However, the Shark Hazard Committee has considered the issue. (2) Not applicable. (3) The Shark Hazard Committee comprises membership from the Department of Fisheries, local government authorities, the Department of Environment and Conservation, Surf Life Saving Western Australia and other relevant authorities. The committee has considered the use of shark netting and has gathered information from experts in other states. The committee has found conflicting evidence from other jurisdictions, such as New South Wales and Queensland, surrounding the effectiveness of beach netting. Given the topography and oceanography of Western Australia’s coast, most beaches are not suited to securing nets. None of the three recent fatal shark attacks occurred in areas where netting could be considered as a viable management option. Where nets have been deployed, a significant incidental loss of protected species and other fauna such as dolphins has occurred. In many cases, nets are not permanently deployed and when they are, they do not fully isolate the beach from the ocean, so sharks can still enter the area. Nevertheless, the government is considering all possible options in response to the recent fatal attacks. The viability of shark netting is still being assessed.
(1) No. However, the Shark Hazard Committee has considered the issue. (2) Not applicable. (3) The Shark Hazard Committee comprises membership from the Department of Fisheries, local government authorities, the Department of Environment and Conservation, Surf Life Saving Western Australia and other relevant authorities. The committee has considered the use of shark netting and has gathered information from experts in other states. The committee has found conflicting evidence from other jurisdictions, such as New South Wales and Queensland, surrounding the effectiveness of beach netting. Given the topography and oceanography of Western Australia’s coast, most beaches are not suited to securing nets. None of the three recent fatal shark attacks occurred in areas where netting could be considered as a viable management option. Where nets have been deployed, a significant incidental loss of protected species and other fauna such as dolphins has occurred. In many cases, nets are not permanently deployed and when they are, they do not fully isolate the beach from the ocean, so sharks can still enter the area. Nevertheless, the government is considering all possible options in response to the recent fatal attacks. The viability of shark netting is still being assessed.
(2) Not applicable. (3) The Shark Hazard Committee comprises membership from the Department of Fisheries, local government authorities, the Department of Environment and Conservation, Surf Life Saving Western Australia and other relevant authorities. The committee has considered the use of shark netting and has gathered information from experts in other states. The committee has found conflicting evidence from other jurisdictions, such as New South Wales and Queensland, surrounding the effectiveness of beach netting. Given the topography and oceanography of Western Australia’s coast, most beaches are not suited to securing nets. None of the three recent fatal shark attacks occurred in areas where netting could be considered as a viable management option. Where nets have been deployed, a significant incidental loss of protected species and other fauna such as dolphins has occurred. In many cases, nets are not permanently deployed and when they are, they do not fully isolate the beach from the ocean, so sharks can still enter the area. Nevertheless, the government is considering all possible options in response to the recent fatal attacks. The viability of shark netting is still being assessed.
(3) The Shark Hazard Committee comprises membership from the Department of Fisheries, local government authorities, the Department of Environment and Conservation, Surf Life Saving Western Australia and other relevant authorities. The committee has considered the use of shark netting and has gathered information from experts in other states. The committee has found conflicting evidence from other jurisdictions, such as New South Wales and Queensland, surrounding the effectiveness of beach netting. Given the topography and oceanography of Western Australia’s coast, most beaches are not suited to securing nets. None of the three recent fatal shark attacks occurred in areas where netting could be considered as a viable management option. Where nets have been deployed, a significant incidental loss of protected species and other fauna such as dolphins has occurred. In many cases, nets are not permanently deployed and when they are, they do not fully isolate the beach from the ocean, so sharks can still enter the area. Nevertheless, the government is considering all possible options in response to the recent fatal attacks. The viability of shark netting is still being assessed.
(1) Has the Department of Fisheries carried out any research or studies on the applicability of this technology to Western Australian beaches? (2) If yes to (1), when, and can the minister table any reports resulting from those studies or research? (3) If no to (1), on what basis has the department rejected the use of shark netting in Western Australia? Hon NORMAN MOORE replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) No. However, the Shark Hazard Committee has considered the issue. (2) Not applicable. (3) The Shark Hazard Committee comprises membership from the Department of Fisheries, local government authorities, the Department of Environment and Conservation, Surf Life Saving Western Australia and other relevant authorities. The committee has considered the use of shark netting and has gathered information from experts in other states. The committee has found conflicting evidence from other jurisdictions, such as New South Wales and Queensland, surrounding the effectiveness of beach netting. Given the topography and oceanography of Western Australia’s coast, most beaches are not suited to securing nets. None of the three recent fatal shark attacks occurred in areas where netting could be considered as a viable management option. Where nets have been deployed, a significant incidental loss of protected species and other fauna such as dolphins has occurred. In many cases, nets are not permanently deployed and when they are, they do not fully isolate the beach from the ocean, so sharks can still enter the area. Nevertheless, the government is considering all possible options in response to the recent fatal attacks. The viability of shark netting is still being assessed.
(2) If yes to (1), when, and can the minister table any reports resulting from those studies or research? (3) If no to (1), on what basis has the department rejected the use of shark netting in Western Australia? Hon NORMAN MOORE replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) No. However, the Shark Hazard Committee has considered the issue. (2) Not applicable. (3) The Shark Hazard Committee comprises membership from the Department of Fisheries, local government authorities, the Department of Environment and Conservation, Surf Life Saving Western Australia and other relevant authorities. The committee has considered the use of shark netting and has gathered information from experts in other states. The committee has found conflicting evidence from other jurisdictions, such as New South Wales and Queensland, surrounding the effectiveness of beach netting. Given the topography and oceanography of Western Australia’s coast, most beaches are not suited to securing nets. None of the three recent fatal shark attacks occurred in areas where netting could be considered as a viable management option. Where nets have been deployed, a significant incidental loss of protected species and other fauna such as dolphins has occurred. In many cases, nets are not permanently deployed and when they are, they do not fully isolate the beach from the ocean, so sharks can still enter the area. Nevertheless, the government is considering all possible options in response to the recent fatal attacks. The viability of shark netting is still being assessed.
(3) If no to (1), on what basis has the department rejected the use of shark netting in Western Australia? Hon NORMAN MOORE replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) No. However, the Shark Hazard Committee has considered the issue. (2) Not applicable. (3) The Shark Hazard Committee comprises membership from the Department of Fisheries, local government authorities, the Department of Environment and Conservation, Surf Life Saving Western Australia and other relevant authorities. The committee has considered the use of shark netting and has gathered information from experts in other states. The committee has found conflicting evidence from other jurisdictions, such as New South Wales and Queensland, surrounding the effectiveness of beach netting. Given the topography and oceanography of Western Australia’s coast, most beaches are not suited to securing nets. None of the three recent fatal shark attacks occurred in areas where netting could be considered as a viable management option. Where nets have been deployed, a significant incidental loss of protected species and other fauna such as dolphins has occurred. In many cases, nets are not permanently deployed and when they are, they do not fully isolate the beach from the ocean, so sharks can still enter the area. Nevertheless, the government is considering all possible options in response to the recent fatal attacks. The viability of shark netting is still being assessed.
Hon NORMAN MOORE replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) No. However, the Shark Hazard Committee has considered the issue. (2) Not applicable. (3) The Shark Hazard Committee comprises membership from the Department of Fisheries, local government authorities, the Department of Environment and Conservation, Surf Life Saving Western Australia and other relevant authorities. The committee has considered the use of shark netting and has gathered information from experts in other states. The committee has found conflicting evidence from other jurisdictions, such as New South Wales and Queensland, surrounding the effectiveness of beach netting. Given the topography and oceanography of Western Australia’s coast, most beaches are not suited to securing nets. None of the three recent fatal shark attacks occurred in areas where netting could be considered as a viable management option. Where nets have been deployed, a significant incidental loss of protected species and other fauna such as dolphins has occurred. In many cases, nets are not permanently deployed and when they are, they do not fully isolate the beach from the ocean, so sharks can still enter the area. Nevertheless, the government is considering all possible options in response to the recent fatal attacks. The viability of shark netting is still being assessed.
I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) No. However, the Shark Hazard Committee has considered the issue. (2) Not applicable. (3) The Shark Hazard Committee comprises membership from the Department of Fisheries, local government authorities, the Department of Environment and Conservation, Surf Life Saving Western Australia and other relevant authorities. The committee has considered the use of shark netting and has gathered information from experts in other states. The committee has found conflicting evidence from other jurisdictions, such as New South Wales and Queensland, surrounding the effectiveness of beach netting. Given the topography and oceanography of Western Australia’s coast, most beaches are not suited to securing nets. None of the three recent fatal shark attacks occurred in areas where netting could be considered as a viable management option. Where nets have been deployed, a significant incidental loss of protected species and other fauna such as dolphins has occurred. In many cases, nets are not permanently deployed and when they are, they do not fully isolate the beach from the ocean, so sharks can still enter the area. Nevertheless, the government is considering all possible options in response to the recent fatal attacks. The viability of shark netting is still being assessed.
(1) No. However, the Shark Hazard Committee has considered the issue. (2) Not applicable. (3) The Shark Hazard Committee comprises membership from the Department of Fisheries, local government authorities, the Department of Environment and Conservation, Surf Life Saving Western Australia and other relevant authorities. The committee has considered the use of shark netting and has gathered information from experts in other states. The committee has found conflicting evidence from other jurisdictions, such as New South Wales and Queensland, surrounding the effectiveness of beach netting. Given the topography and oceanography of Western Australia’s coast, most beaches are not suited to securing nets. None of the three recent fatal shark attacks occurred in areas where netting could be considered as a viable management option. Where nets have been deployed, a significant incidental loss of protected species and other fauna such as dolphins has occurred. In many cases, nets are not permanently deployed and when they are, they do not fully isolate the beach from the ocean, so sharks can still enter the area. Nevertheless, the government is considering all possible options in response to the recent fatal attacks. The viability of shark netting is still being assessed.
(2) Not applicable. (3) The Shark Hazard Committee comprises membership from the Department of Fisheries, local government authorities, the Department of Environment and Conservation, Surf Life Saving Western Australia and other relevant authorities. The committee has considered the use of shark netting and has gathered information from experts in other states. The committee has found conflicting evidence from other jurisdictions, such as New South Wales and Queensland, surrounding the effectiveness of beach netting. Given the topography and oceanography of Western Australia’s coast, most beaches are not suited to securing nets. None of the three recent fatal shark attacks occurred in areas where netting could be considered as a viable management option. Where nets have been deployed, a significant incidental loss of protected species and other fauna such as dolphins has occurred. In many cases, nets are not permanently deployed and when they are, they do not fully isolate the beach from the ocean, so sharks can still enter the area. Nevertheless, the government is considering all possible options in response to the recent fatal attacks. The viability of shark netting is still being assessed.
(3) The Shark Hazard Committee comprises membership from the Department of Fisheries, local government authorities, the Department of Environment and Conservation, Surf Life Saving Western Australia and other relevant authorities. The committee has considered the use of shark netting and has gathered information from experts in other states. The committee has found conflicting evidence from other jurisdictions, such as New South Wales and Queensland, surrounding the effectiveness of beach netting. Given the topography and oceanography of Western Australia’s coast, most beaches are not suited to securing nets. None of the three recent fatal shark attacks occurred in areas where netting could be considered as a viable management option. Where nets have been deployed, a significant incidental loss of protected species and other fauna such as dolphins has occurred. In many cases, nets are not permanently deployed and when they are, they do not fully isolate the beach from the ocean, so sharks can still enter the area. Nevertheless, the government is considering all possible options in response to the recent fatal attacks. The viability of shark netting is still being assessed.
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