In response to our most recent letter to the Minister for Fisheries, Hon Mark Furner regarding alternate shark control measures in QLD, we have received the following (in italics):

The Queensland Shark Management Plan 2021-2025 sets out how the Queensland Government will continue work to reduce the risk of shark bites through the traditional program, while researching and trialling new shark mitigation technologies and boosting community education on SharkSmart behaviours. The Plan and other related reports are available on the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries’ website https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/business-priorities/fisheries/shark-control-program

Trials are being carefully planned based on the recommendations in the report Queensland Shark Control Program – review of alternative approaches and advice from the Shark Control Program Scientific Working Group, which is comprised of experts in the field. The final evaluation of all trials will include an assessment of cost-effectiveness, including the ability to adapt to fluctuating shark numbers, and suitability to local Queensland conditions. These trials include:

SharkSmart Drone Trial. The department has partnered with Surf Life Saving Queensland to deliver a trial of shark-spotting drones. The Trial was launched in September 2020 and will continue until 2025. The Trial now operates at 10 beaches from the Gold Coast to Townsville with drones flying every weekend and public holiday, and every day during Queensland school holidays, subject to weather conditions. More information can be found at http://www.daf.qld.gov.au/business-priorities/fisheries/shark-control-program/shark-control-equipment/drone-trial .

While the focus of the Trial is beach safety, the department is partnering with researchers from the University of the Sunshine Coast to analyse the footage collected to better understand the use of Noosa and Sunshine Coast waters by other marine fauna.

Catch Alert Drumline Trial. The department began trialling catch alert drumlines in September 2021 and will continue until June 2023. The Trial is being conducted at four beaches in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park along the Capricorn Coast. The Trial is delivered by the department and co-funded by the Federal Government as part of the joint commitment to trial alternatives in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. An evaluation of the first phase of the Trial commenced in February 2023 which will inform any future extension or expansion. More information can be found at: http://www.daf.qld.gov.au/business-priorities/fisheries/shark-control-program/shark-control-equipment/catch-alert-drumline-trial

Shark Barrier Trial in North Queensland. The department, in partnership with the Federal Government, conducted scoping works for a shark barrier trial in North Queensland, as part of the joint commitment to trial alternatives in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The suitability and risk assessment of deploying a shark barrier found that they are not suitable for Queensland beaches at this time due to various factors, including local beach conditions, tidal range and currents, protected marine habitats and community support for an installation. The department will continue to monitor advancements in technology regarding shark barriers, including beached based electronic barriers, for future consideration.

The Program also invests in research as outlined in the Plan and supports research that contributes to broader scientific aims were possible. For example:

Personal Electronic Deterrents. The department has commissioned research to assess the efficacy of personal electronic deterrent devices on tiger sharks, a species of concern for Queensland. Personal electronic deterrent devices emit an electrical field that deters sharks. Previous testing has been limited to white and bull sharks. This new research will help inform the suitability of the use of this technology in Queensland.

Marine Species Tracking – Integrated Marine Observing System. The department provides support for the deployment of marine monitoring equipment such as acoustic receivers. This allows researchers from all over the world to collect information about the movements of tagged sharks and other marine life.

Shark Population Studies. The department is collecting data to enable estimation of the population size and distribution of key shark species through reviewing shark catch data, tagging and tracking information, genetics and other available science. Any additional research that assists in understanding population size and movement of sharks, including the impacts of changing ocean temperatures, will be welcomed.

The Queensland Government is committed to reviewing and adapting the Program in line with emerging science, technology and community expectations and will continue to do everything it can to ensure the safety of water users at beaches with Program equipment while minimising impacts on other marine life. For example, the Program implemented the latest technology in acoustic whale alarms to deter whales from approaching the Program apparatus. The aim is to reduce the risk of entanglements while continuing to ensure water users’ safety is not compromised.

Releasing entangled whales continues to be a Program priority. Fully trained marine animal release teams (MART) located at Mackay, Sunshine Coast, and the Gold Coast use best practice techniques to quickly and safely release marine animals from Program equipment. A network of volunteer observers on the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast, with assistance from Surf Life Saving Queensland and Sea World, help identify and confirm whale entanglements so MART can respond and give animals the best chance of being successfully released.

The Program is strongly supported by Local Governments, Surf Life Saving Queensland, local businesses, and the tourism industry. As the Program cannot entirely remove the risk of shark bite, and not all of Queensland can be protected, all water-users are called upon to do their part and be SharkSmart. The SharkSmart campaign launched in September 2020 encompasses a broader education program including partnerships with Sea World and Surf Life Saving Queensland to provide tailored SharkSmart education programs.

The SharkSmart campaign encourages water users to take personal responsibility by following the SharkSmart tips every time they are on or in the water:

  • Swim between the flags at patrolled beaches and check signage
  • Have a buddy and look out for each other
  • Avoid swimming at dawn or dusk
  • Reduce risk, avoid schools of bait fish or diving birds
  • Keep fish waste and food scraps out of the water where people swim
  • Swim in clear water away from fishers.

Further information about the Program is available at www.fisheries.qld.gov.au.

We will continue to update as further information is available. To email Minister Furner direct, please use agriculture@ministerial.qld.gov.au