The numbers are shocking. In this year alone, 537 innocent animals have been trapped in Queensland’s shark nets and drumlines – only 13 survived.
Drones are currently being trialled at five beaches in Queensland to spot sharks and alert swimmers.
These trials are only due to run until the end of November, but the government has pledged to spend $1 million per year on non-lethal alternatives to shark nets. We want to make sure they live up to this promise.
Fisheries Minister, the Hon. Mark Furner is responsible for deciding whether or not these trials will continue. Can you please write to him and ask for the trials to be extended?
His email address is agriculture@ministerial.qld.gov.au. You can copy and paste this sample letter:
To the Hon. Mark Furner,
I am writing in regards to the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries lethal shark control program.
I commend the trialling of drones to spot sharks at five beaches on the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, and North Stradbroke Island. However, I request that the trials be extended past the end of this month and other non-lethal alternatives, such as eco-barriers, also be put in place.
Since 2001, 15,365 animals have been caught in the lethal shark control program, a figure which includes both engendered and critically endangered species. In this 17 year period alone, 816 turtles, 317 dolphins, and 78 whales have been entangled.
This high level of by-catch is unacceptable and I ask that the nets be removed and more non-lethal alternatives be trialled.
Best regards,
Too many animals have been allowed to drown in Queensland’s horrific shark nets – gasping for their last breath.
These trials are a vital step towards removing shark nets and lethal drumlines. It’s a promising start, but we must keep up momentum.
Please email agriculture@ministerial.qld.gov.au and urge Fisheries Minister to extend the trials and put in eco-barriers alongside drones.