❓ A WA parliamentary question addresses the issue of sharks being killed by plastic bait straps discarded at sea. The Minister acknowledges the problem and outlines steps being taken to address it, including industry consultation and potential legislation.
AnsweredQoN 1506Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to an article written by the Western Australian Fishing Industry Council entitled “Plastic bait straps - industry views wanted” in the most recent edition of ProWest . (1) How many sharks in Western Australian waters are estimated to be killed by bait straps annually? (2) Does the minister agree with the claim in the article that the death of sharks from entanglement in plastic bait straps continues to be a serious issue for the fishing industry? (3) If yes to (2), what action is the minister taking to prevent bait straps being disposed of at sea? (4) Will the minister support the call for a prohibition on taking plastic bait straps to sea? (5) If no to (4), why not? Hon KIM CHANCE
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) There are no comprehensive records on the number of sharks killed by plastic bait bands annually. However, the Department of Fisheries has evidence that sharks are entangled in bait bands. (2) I believe that the discarding of plastic bait bands at sea still remains a significant issue and is a problem that needs to be addressed. In recognition of the issue, the rock lobster industry has established a code of conduct to cover bait handling issues, including the handling of bait bands. (3) At this stage the Western Australian Fishing Industry Council has sought industry feedback on a proposal to prohibit bait bands at sea. I expect to receive advice from WAFIC as a result of that process and, together with advice from the Department of Fisheries, I will consider the appropriateness and likely effectiveness of introducing legislation to deal with the issue. (4)-(5) I will consider a prohibition if the substance of the advice I receive indicates that there is an appropriate legislative mechanism and that a ban is a necessary and effective tool to address the problem.
(1) How many sharks in Western Australian waters are estimated to be killed by bait straps annually? (2) Does the minister agree with the claim in the article that the death of sharks from entanglement in plastic bait straps continues to be a serious issue for the fishing industry? (3) If yes to (2), what action is the minister taking to prevent bait straps being disposed of at sea? (4) Will the minister support the call for a prohibition on taking plastic bait straps to sea? (5) If no to (4), why not? Hon KIM CHANCE replied : I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) There are no comprehensive records on the number of sharks killed by plastic bait bands annually. However, the Department of Fisheries has evidence that sharks are entangled in bait bands. (2) I believe that the discarding of plastic bait bands at sea still remains a significant issue and is a problem that needs to be addressed. In recognition of the issue, the rock lobster industry has established a code of conduct to cover bait handling issues, including the handling of bait bands. (3) At this stage the Western Australian Fishing Industry Council has sought industry feedback on a proposal to prohibit bait bands at sea. I expect to receive advice from WAFIC as a result of that process and, together with advice from the Department of Fisheries, I will consider the appropriateness and likely effectiveness of introducing legislation to deal with the issue. (4)-(5) I will consider a prohibition if the substance of the advice I receive indicates that there is an appropriate legislative mechanism and that a ban is a necessary and effective tool to address the problem.
(2) Does the minister agree with the claim in the article that the death of sharks from entanglement in plastic bait straps continues to be a serious issue for the fishing industry? (3) If yes to (2), what action is the minister taking to prevent bait straps being disposed of at sea? (4) Will the minister support the call for a prohibition on taking plastic bait straps to sea? (5) If no to (4), why not? Hon KIM CHANCE replied : I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) There are no comprehensive records on the number of sharks killed by plastic bait bands annually. However, the Department of Fisheries has evidence that sharks are entangled in bait bands. (2) I believe that the discarding of plastic bait bands at sea still remains a significant issue and is a problem that needs to be addressed. In recognition of the issue, the rock lobster industry has established a code of conduct to cover bait handling issues, including the handling of bait bands. (3) At this stage the Western Australian Fishing Industry Council has sought industry feedback on a proposal to prohibit bait bands at sea. I expect to receive advice from WAFIC as a result of that process and, together with advice from the Department of Fisheries, I will consider the appropriateness and likely effectiveness of introducing legislation to deal with the issue. (4)-(5) I will consider a prohibition if the substance of the advice I receive indicates that there is an appropriate legislative mechanism and that a ban is a necessary and effective tool to address the problem.
(3) If yes to (2), what action is the minister taking to prevent bait straps being disposed of at sea? (4) Will the minister support the call for a prohibition on taking plastic bait straps to sea? (5) If no to (4), why not? Hon KIM CHANCE replied : I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) There are no comprehensive records on the number of sharks killed by plastic bait bands annually. However, the Department of Fisheries has evidence that sharks are entangled in bait bands. (2) I believe that the discarding of plastic bait bands at sea still remains a significant issue and is a problem that needs to be addressed. In recognition of the issue, the rock lobster industry has established a code of conduct to cover bait handling issues, including the handling of bait bands. (3) At this stage the Western Australian Fishing Industry Council has sought industry feedback on a proposal to prohibit bait bands at sea. I expect to receive advice from WAFIC as a result of that process and, together with advice from the Department of Fisheries, I will consider the appropriateness and likely effectiveness of introducing legislation to deal with the issue. (4)-(5) I will consider a prohibition if the substance of the advice I receive indicates that there is an appropriate legislative mechanism and that a ban is a necessary and effective tool to address the problem.
(4) Will the minister support the call for a prohibition on taking plastic bait straps to sea? (5) If no to (4), why not? Hon KIM CHANCE replied : I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) There are no comprehensive records on the number of sharks killed by plastic bait bands annually. However, the Department of Fisheries has evidence that sharks are entangled in bait bands. (2) I believe that the discarding of plastic bait bands at sea still remains a significant issue and is a problem that needs to be addressed. In recognition of the issue, the rock lobster industry has established a code of conduct to cover bait handling issues, including the handling of bait bands. (3) At this stage the Western Australian Fishing Industry Council has sought industry feedback on a proposal to prohibit bait bands at sea. I expect to receive advice from WAFIC as a result of that process and, together with advice from the Department of Fisheries, I will consider the appropriateness and likely effectiveness of introducing legislation to deal with the issue. (4)-(5) I will consider a prohibition if the substance of the advice I receive indicates that there is an appropriate legislative mechanism and that a ban is a necessary and effective tool to address the problem.
(5) If no to (4), why not? Hon KIM CHANCE replied : I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) There are no comprehensive records on the number of sharks killed by plastic bait bands annually. However, the Department of Fisheries has evidence that sharks are entangled in bait bands. (2) I believe that the discarding of plastic bait bands at sea still remains a significant issue and is a problem that needs to be addressed. In recognition of the issue, the rock lobster industry has established a code of conduct to cover bait handling issues, including the handling of bait bands. (3) At this stage the Western Australian Fishing Industry Council has sought industry feedback on a proposal to prohibit bait bands at sea. I expect to receive advice from WAFIC as a result of that process and, together with advice from the Department of Fisheries, I will consider the appropriateness and likely effectiveness of introducing legislation to deal with the issue. (4)-(5) I will consider a prohibition if the substance of the advice I receive indicates that there is an appropriate legislative mechanism and that a ban is a necessary and effective tool to address the problem.
Hon KIM CHANCE replied : I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) There are no comprehensive records on the number of sharks killed by plastic bait bands annually. However, the Department of Fisheries has evidence that sharks are entangled in bait bands. (2) I believe that the discarding of plastic bait bands at sea still remains a significant issue and is a problem that needs to be addressed. In recognition of the issue, the rock lobster industry has established a code of conduct to cover bait handling issues, including the handling of bait bands. (3) At this stage the Western Australian Fishing Industry Council has sought industry feedback on a proposal to prohibit bait bands at sea. I expect to receive advice from WAFIC as a result of that process and, together with advice from the Department of Fisheries, I will consider the appropriateness and likely effectiveness of introducing legislation to deal with the issue. (4)-(5) I will consider a prohibition if the substance of the advice I receive indicates that there is an appropriate legislative mechanism and that a ban is a necessary and effective tool to address the problem.
I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) There are no comprehensive records on the number of sharks killed by plastic bait bands annually. However, the Department of Fisheries has evidence that sharks are entangled in bait bands. (2) I believe that the discarding of plastic bait bands at sea still remains a significant issue and is a problem that needs to be addressed. In recognition of the issue, the rock lobster industry has established a code of conduct to cover bait handling issues, including the handling of bait bands. (3) At this stage the Western Australian Fishing Industry Council has sought industry feedback on a proposal to prohibit bait bands at sea. I expect to receive advice from WAFIC as a result of that process and, together with advice from the Department of Fisheries, I will consider the appropriateness and likely effectiveness of introducing legislation to deal with the issue. (4)-(5) I will consider a prohibition if the substance of the advice I receive indicates that there is an appropriate legislative mechanism and that a ban is a necessary and effective tool to address the problem.
(1) There are no comprehensive records on the number of sharks killed by plastic bait bands annually. However, the Department of Fisheries has evidence that sharks are entangled in bait bands. (2) I believe that the discarding of plastic bait bands at sea still remains a significant issue and is a problem that needs to be addressed. In recognition of the issue, the rock lobster industry has established a code of conduct to cover bait handling issues, including the handling of bait bands. (3) At this stage the Western Australian Fishing Industry Council has sought industry feedback on a proposal to prohibit bait bands at sea. I expect to receive advice from WAFIC as a result of that process and, together with advice from the Department of Fisheries, I will consider the appropriateness and likely effectiveness of introducing legislation to deal with the issue. (4)-(5) I will consider a prohibition if the substance of the advice I receive indicates that there is an appropriate legislative mechanism and that a ban is a necessary and effective tool to address the problem.
(2) I believe that the discarding of plastic bait bands at sea still remains a significant issue and is a problem that needs to be addressed. In recognition of the issue, the rock lobster industry has established a code of conduct to cover bait handling issues, including the handling of bait bands. (3) At this stage the Western Australian Fishing Industry Council has sought industry feedback on a proposal to prohibit bait bands at sea. I expect to receive advice from WAFIC as a result of that process and, together with advice from the Department of Fisheries, I will consider the appropriateness and likely effectiveness of introducing legislation to deal with the issue. (4)-(5) I will consider a prohibition if the substance of the advice I receive indicates that there is an appropriate legislative mechanism and that a ban is a necessary and effective tool to address the problem.
(3) At this stage the Western Australian Fishing Industry Council has sought industry feedback on a proposal to prohibit bait bands at sea. I expect to receive advice from WAFIC as a result of that process and, together with advice from the Department of Fisheries, I will consider the appropriateness and likely effectiveness of introducing legislation to deal with the issue. (4)-(5) I will consider a prohibition if the substance of the advice I receive indicates that there is an appropriate legislative mechanism and that a ban is a necessary and effective tool to address the problem.
(4)-(5) I will consider a prohibition if the substance of the advice I receive indicates that there is an appropriate legislative mechanism and that a ban is a necessary and effective tool to address the problem.
(1) How many sharks in Western Australian waters are estimated to be killed by bait straps annually? (2) Does the minister agree with the claim in the article that the death of sharks from entanglement in plastic bait straps continues to be a serious issue for the fishing industry? (3) If yes to (2), what action is the minister taking to prevent bait straps being disposed of at sea? (4) Will the minister support the call for a prohibition on taking plastic bait straps to sea? (5) If no to (4), why not? Hon KIM CHANCE replied : I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) There are no comprehensive records on the number of sharks killed by plastic bait bands annually. However, the Department of Fisheries has evidence that sharks are entangled in bait bands. (2) I believe that the discarding of plastic bait bands at sea still remains a significant issue and is a problem that needs to be addressed. In recognition of the issue, the rock lobster industry has established a code of conduct to cover bait handling issues, including the handling of bait bands. (3) At this stage the Western Australian Fishing Industry Council has sought industry feedback on a proposal to prohibit bait bands at sea. I expect to receive advice from WAFIC as a result of that process and, together with advice from the Department of Fisheries, I will consider the appropriateness and likely effectiveness of introducing legislation to deal with the issue. (4)-(5) I will consider a prohibition if the substance of the advice I receive indicates that there is an appropriate legislative mechanism and that a ban is a necessary and effective tool to address the problem.
(2) Does the minister agree with the claim in the article that the death of sharks from entanglement in plastic bait straps continues to be a serious issue for the fishing industry? (3) If yes to (2), what action is the minister taking to prevent bait straps being disposed of at sea? (4) Will the minister support the call for a prohibition on taking plastic bait straps to sea? (5) If no to (4), why not? Hon KIM CHANCE replied : I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) There are no comprehensive records on the number of sharks killed by plastic bait bands annually. However, the Department of Fisheries has evidence that sharks are entangled in bait bands. (2) I believe that the discarding of plastic bait bands at sea still remains a significant issue and is a problem that needs to be addressed. In recognition of the issue, the rock lobster industry has established a code of conduct to cover bait handling issues, including the handling of bait bands. (3) At this stage the Western Australian Fishing Industry Council has sought industry feedback on a proposal to prohibit bait bands at sea. I expect to receive advice from WAFIC as a result of that process and, together with advice from the Department of Fisheries, I will consider the appropriateness and likely effectiveness of introducing legislation to deal with the issue. (4)-(5) I will consider a prohibition if the substance of the advice I receive indicates that there is an appropriate legislative mechanism and that a ban is a necessary and effective tool to address the problem.
(3) If yes to (2), what action is the minister taking to prevent bait straps being disposed of at sea? (4) Will the minister support the call for a prohibition on taking plastic bait straps to sea? (5) If no to (4), why not? Hon KIM CHANCE replied : I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) There are no comprehensive records on the number of sharks killed by plastic bait bands annually. However, the Department of Fisheries has evidence that sharks are entangled in bait bands. (2) I believe that the discarding of plastic bait bands at sea still remains a significant issue and is a problem that needs to be addressed. In recognition of the issue, the rock lobster industry has established a code of conduct to cover bait handling issues, including the handling of bait bands. (3) At this stage the Western Australian Fishing Industry Council has sought industry feedback on a proposal to prohibit bait bands at sea. I expect to receive advice from WAFIC as a result of that process and, together with advice from the Department of Fisheries, I will consider the appropriateness and likely effectiveness of introducing legislation to deal with the issue. (4)-(5) I will consider a prohibition if the substance of the advice I receive indicates that there is an appropriate legislative mechanism and that a ban is a necessary and effective tool to address the problem.
(4) Will the minister support the call for a prohibition on taking plastic bait straps to sea? (5) If no to (4), why not? Hon KIM CHANCE replied : I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) There are no comprehensive records on the number of sharks killed by plastic bait bands annually. However, the Department of Fisheries has evidence that sharks are entangled in bait bands. (2) I believe that the discarding of plastic bait bands at sea still remains a significant issue and is a problem that needs to be addressed. In recognition of the issue, the rock lobster industry has established a code of conduct to cover bait handling issues, including the handling of bait bands. (3) At this stage the Western Australian Fishing Industry Council has sought industry feedback on a proposal to prohibit bait bands at sea. I expect to receive advice from WAFIC as a result of that process and, together with advice from the Department of Fisheries, I will consider the appropriateness and likely effectiveness of introducing legislation to deal with the issue. (4)-(5) I will consider a prohibition if the substance of the advice I receive indicates that there is an appropriate legislative mechanism and that a ban is a necessary and effective tool to address the problem.
(5) If no to (4), why not? Hon KIM CHANCE replied : I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) There are no comprehensive records on the number of sharks killed by plastic bait bands annually. However, the Department of Fisheries has evidence that sharks are entangled in bait bands. (2) I believe that the discarding of plastic bait bands at sea still remains a significant issue and is a problem that needs to be addressed. In recognition of the issue, the rock lobster industry has established a code of conduct to cover bait handling issues, including the handling of bait bands. (3) At this stage the Western Australian Fishing Industry Council has sought industry feedback on a proposal to prohibit bait bands at sea. I expect to receive advice from WAFIC as a result of that process and, together with advice from the Department of Fisheries, I will consider the appropriateness and likely effectiveness of introducing legislation to deal with the issue. (4)-(5) I will consider a prohibition if the substance of the advice I receive indicates that there is an appropriate legislative mechanism and that a ban is a necessary and effective tool to address the problem.
Hon KIM CHANCE replied : I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) There are no comprehensive records on the number of sharks killed by plastic bait bands annually. However, the Department of Fisheries has evidence that sharks are entangled in bait bands. (2) I believe that the discarding of plastic bait bands at sea still remains a significant issue and is a problem that needs to be addressed. In recognition of the issue, the rock lobster industry has established a code of conduct to cover bait handling issues, including the handling of bait bands. (3) At this stage the Western Australian Fishing Industry Council has sought industry feedback on a proposal to prohibit bait bands at sea. I expect to receive advice from WAFIC as a result of that process and, together with advice from the Department of Fisheries, I will consider the appropriateness and likely effectiveness of introducing legislation to deal with the issue. (4)-(5) I will consider a prohibition if the substance of the advice I receive indicates that there is an appropriate legislative mechanism and that a ban is a necessary and effective tool to address the problem.
I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) There are no comprehensive records on the number of sharks killed by plastic bait bands annually. However, the Department of Fisheries has evidence that sharks are entangled in bait bands. (2) I believe that the discarding of plastic bait bands at sea still remains a significant issue and is a problem that needs to be addressed. In recognition of the issue, the rock lobster industry has established a code of conduct to cover bait handling issues, including the handling of bait bands. (3) At this stage the Western Australian Fishing Industry Council has sought industry feedback on a proposal to prohibit bait bands at sea. I expect to receive advice from WAFIC as a result of that process and, together with advice from the Department of Fisheries, I will consider the appropriateness and likely effectiveness of introducing legislation to deal with the issue. (4)-(5) I will consider a prohibition if the substance of the advice I receive indicates that there is an appropriate legislative mechanism and that a ban is a necessary and effective tool to address the problem.
(1) There are no comprehensive records on the number of sharks killed by plastic bait bands annually. However, the Department of Fisheries has evidence that sharks are entangled in bait bands. (2) I believe that the discarding of plastic bait bands at sea still remains a significant issue and is a problem that needs to be addressed. In recognition of the issue, the rock lobster industry has established a code of conduct to cover bait handling issues, including the handling of bait bands. (3) At this stage the Western Australian Fishing Industry Council has sought industry feedback on a proposal to prohibit bait bands at sea. I expect to receive advice from WAFIC as a result of that process and, together with advice from the Department of Fisheries, I will consider the appropriateness and likely effectiveness of introducing legislation to deal with the issue. (4)-(5) I will consider a prohibition if the substance of the advice I receive indicates that there is an appropriate legislative mechanism and that a ban is a necessary and effective tool to address the problem.
(2) I believe that the discarding of plastic bait bands at sea still remains a significant issue and is a problem that needs to be addressed. In recognition of the issue, the rock lobster industry has established a code of conduct to cover bait handling issues, including the handling of bait bands. (3) At this stage the Western Australian Fishing Industry Council has sought industry feedback on a proposal to prohibit bait bands at sea. I expect to receive advice from WAFIC as a result of that process and, together with advice from the Department of Fisheries, I will consider the appropriateness and likely effectiveness of introducing legislation to deal with the issue. (4)-(5) I will consider a prohibition if the substance of the advice I receive indicates that there is an appropriate legislative mechanism and that a ban is a necessary and effective tool to address the problem.
(3) At this stage the Western Australian Fishing Industry Council has sought industry feedback on a proposal to prohibit bait bands at sea. I expect to receive advice from WAFIC as a result of that process and, together with advice from the Department of Fisheries, I will consider the appropriateness and likely effectiveness of introducing legislation to deal with the issue. (4)-(5) I will consider a prohibition if the substance of the advice I receive indicates that there is an appropriate legislative mechanism and that a ban is a necessary and effective tool to address the problem.
(4)-(5) I will consider a prohibition if the substance of the advice I receive indicates that there is an appropriate legislative mechanism and that a ban is a necessary and effective tool to address the problem.
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