More than 700 marine animals – including nine dolphins – were killed by shark nets and drum lines off Queensland’s coast last year, according to government data collated by conservation groups campaigning for an end to the state’s controversial shark culling program.
Drone footage from the Sunshine Coast, circulating on social media, shows a tiger shark being euthanised according to established practice by being stabbed, after being caught in drum lines. The footage has renewed debate about the lethal shark control measures used in Queensland since the 1960s.
The state uses nets and drum lines (baited fishing hooks) to catch and kill “target” shark species, including white sharks and tiger sharks, to reduce the risk of shark bites in coastal waters. Experts say the measures are not supported by clear scientific evidence that they reduce shark attacks.
The Humane Society International and the Australian Marine Conservation Society say they have analysed 2023 data from the state government and found that 722 marine animals died after being caught in nets or hooked on drum lines.
The drum lines caught 614 “non-target” animals, including 11 humpback whales, two dugongs, 12 dolphins and 38 turtles. Of these, more than 400 – including nine dolphins and five turtles – died. About 30% of the “non-target” animals caught were released alive.
Since 2014, 15 “critically endangered” grey nurse sharks, 92 dolphins, two whales and 273 rays were killed.
Lawrence Chlebeck, a marine biologist at the Humane Society International, said the data showed “nets and drum lines don’t discriminate”.
“We saw the footage last week of the tiger shark being brutally killed,” Chlebeck said.
“Now we know that this scene may have replayed up to 322 times in 2023 – once for every target shark caught in south-east Queensland, if it survived the initial entanglement or hooking.”
Chlebeck said shark incidents “are rare and this program doesn’t stop them from happening”.
Experts say there are more modern, effective and humane methods from protecting beach swimmers and others from shark attacks. The state is trialling some of these methods, including using drone technology to monitor busy beaches.
Dr Leonardo Guida, a shark scientist at the Australian Marine Conservation Society, said the use of lethal measures was outdated.
“Nobody would accept 62-year-old safety standards at home, work or school, and the beach should be no different,” Guida said.
The Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries says the protection of human life is the top priority of shark control program, and that several measures are in place to limit impact on non-target species.
These include electronic warning devices to deter whales and dolphins, and using “alternative baits” and configurations to reduce incidences of dolphins and turtles being caught.
“The program’s level of bycatch (non-target species) in 2023 was comparable to previous years and within the range of normal year-to-year variability,” a department spokesperson said.
The department said contractors regularly check nets and drum lines for captured animals, and these were released whenever possible.
“The government 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,” the spokesperson said.
