Shark nets are not very helpful according to study. It cause more harm than doing good to all sea creatures.
The researchers found that shark nets were not effective for keeping people safe. At the same time, they had a significant negative impact on marine life, both on the targeted species and on other species as well, including threatened and protected species.
The vast majority of animals caught in the nets are non-target species (94 per cent in 2018-19, according to the Shark Meshing Program annual report). This includes rays, turtles, dolphins, other harmless fish and sharks including hammerheads and grey nurse sharks.
Whale Rescued:
Rescue crews have managed to free a humpback whale that became entangled in shark nets off the southern Gold Coast.
The whale was spotted a few hundred metres offshore from Kirra Beach on Tuesday morning, sparking the rescue operation.
Fisheries Queensland and Sea World Crews worked together to successfully free the mammal, who they say appeared to be quite calm despite the ordeal.
It comes after another humpback whale was freed by crews after becoming entangled off Marcoola Beach on the Sunshine Coast earlier this morning.
The entanglements mark the third and fourth whales caught in Queensland shark nets in less than a month.
It’s again ignited debate about the need for shark nets in Queensland waters, especially during the whale migration season.
“As over 20,000 of these much-loved ocean giants travel along the state’s coastline, the pointless shark ‘control’ program is endangering these and many other iconic creatures.
“The scientific advice for this program could not be clearer: get the nets out now.”
But a spokesperson for Fisheries Queensland has rejected calls to get rid of the nets.
“Protection of human life is the first priority of the Queensland’s Shark Control Program (SCP), but we are continually working on innovation and improvements to the program,” Fisheries Queensland said.
“For example, the SCP is trialling catch alert drumlines and drones, and using the latest technology in electronic warning devices, such as acoustic pingers, to alert whales and dolphins of the presence of the nets.
“Changes to the program will not be made unless effective alternatives have been identified and proven suitable for Queensland conditions.”
Source: https://www.mygc.com.au/rescue-underway-to-free-whale-caught-in-shark-nets-on-gold-coast/
