❓ A parliamentary question regarding a report on shark hazard mitigation strategies, specifically questioning the use of shark nets and drum-lines and advocating for shark-proof enclosures. The Minister acknowledges the report but disagrees with its recommendation against nets and drum-lines.
AnsweredQoN 998Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES — SHARK HAZARD MITIGATION STRATEGY
998. Hon LYNN MacLAREN to the minister
representing the Minister for Fisheries:
I refer to the report titled '' Likely
effectiveness of netting or other capture programs as a shark hazard mitigation
strategy in Western Australia'' prepared for the Department of Fisheries in 2012.
(1) Is the
minister aware of the report's findings that shark nets and drum-lines
have resulted in high bycatch rates of species, including dolphins, marine
turtles, sharks and rays, that are not implicated in attacks on humans, and
that shark control programs would pose a risk to dolphins, which are an
important tourist drawcard in Western Australia?
(2) As the report
recommends that the government should consider shark-proof enclosures that
protect swimmers while not harming marine life, when will these enclosures be
trialled?
(3) Does the
minister agree with the report's recommendation that neither shark nets
nor drum-lines should be introduced in Western Australia as a shark hazard
mitigation measure because of the environmental impacts of these activities?
(4) In light of
the report's findings, how does the minister respond to the assertion
that the best way to provide protection for surfers and divers at locations
further out to sea than swimmers is to increase understanding about shark
behaviour and repellents through research and education?
998. Hon LYNN MacLAREN to the minister
representing the Minister for Fisheries:
I refer to the report titled '' Likely
effectiveness of netting or other capture programs as a shark hazard mitigation
strategy in Western Australia'' prepared for the Department of Fisheries in 2012.
(1) Is the
minister aware of the report's findings that shark nets and drum-lines
have resulted in high bycatch rates of species, including dolphins, marine
turtles, sharks and rays, that are not implicated in attacks on humans, and
that shark control programs would pose a risk to dolphins, which are an
important tourist drawcard in Western Australia?
(2) As the report
recommends that the government should consider shark-proof enclosures that
protect swimmers while not harming marine life, when will these enclosures be
trialled?
(3) Does the
minister agree with the report's recommendation that neither shark nets
nor drum-lines should be introduced in Western Australia as a shark hazard
mitigation measure because of the environmental impacts of these activities?
(4) In light of
the report's findings, how does the minister respond to the assertion
that the best way to provide protection for surfers and divers at locations
further out to sea than swimmers is to increase understanding about shark
behaviour and repellents through research and education?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the honourable member for
some notice of the question.
(1) Yes.
(2) By the end of 2014.
(3) No.
(4) The Liberal–National
government has employed a range of shark mitigation measures, including
additional aerial patrols, tagging, real-time sighting reports and research
projects, including understanding shark behaviour and potential repellents. In
spite of these measures there continues to be an unprecedented number of shark
attacks in our waters. The measures announced today will provide some
additional reassurance to those members of our community who enjoy the aquatic
environment.
some notice of the question.
(1) Yes.
(2) By the end of 2014.
(3) No.
(4) The Liberal–National
government has employed a range of shark mitigation measures, including
additional aerial patrols, tagging, real-time sighting reports and research
projects, including understanding shark behaviour and potential repellents. In
spite of these measures there continues to be an unprecedented number of shark
attacks in our waters. The measures announced today will provide some
additional reassurance to those members of our community who enjoy the aquatic
environment.
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