more bad news...
(2007)
Annual shark net figures released
The Department of Primary Industries has released its annual figures of sharks caught through its shark control program.
The Department of Primary Industries has released its annual figures of sharks caught through its shark control program.
While Townsville led the State with the highest number of tiger sharks last year, that title has now gone to the Mackay region. There were 24 tigers caught this year in Townsville, and 32 in Mackay.
A haul of 75 sharks was caught on drumlines between The Strand, Pallarenda and on Magnetic Island.
Yeppoon had the highest number of sharks, and 80 have been caught there in the past financial year. One third of the sharks caught in Townsville waters were tiger-sharks. There were also hammerheads and bullsharks, all considered maneaters. The largest was a 4.2m tiger shark caught in Alma Bay in May. "There is a fairly healthy tiger shark population throughout the state," DPI shark control manager Tony Ham said.
"They certainly make up the bulk of the catch in terms of numbers."
All the tiger sharks were caught on Magnetic Island, nine at Florence Bay and eight at Horseshoe Bay.
"Most of the gear is out around the island," Mr Ham said.
"There are only 15 drumlines along The Strand and Pallarenda. There are another 42 around the island.
"You'd sort of expect these figures, but tiger sharks are known to hang around headlands, rocky point areas, rather than inshore in Townsville."
The figures follow reports last month that some recreational fishermen were deliberately baiting for tiger sharks off The Strand.
Fisheries Minister Tim Mulherin said he hoped the statistics would make beachgoers more conscious about where and when they swam as sharks became more active during summer.
"As the weather heats up people are always tempted to swim wherever they find a cool place to take a dip," Mr Mulherin said.
"People need to be aware of the possible dangers that lurk below the surface.
"I would strongly encourage people to think carefully about where and when they swim."
He said swimming near river mouths, in canals, and artificial lakes and waterways was dangerous.
"People should also be aware that the bigger and more aggressive sharks, particularly tiger sharks, follow whales migrating south at this time of year," Mr Mulherin said. "This brings these species closer to shore and may mean increased activity around the shark control equipment.
"Shark control equipment is designed to capture these large and dangerous shark species, therefore activities such as swimming,
windsurfing, or board paddling near the gear is extremely dangerous."
