Minister says beware of sharks

30th November 2009

A TOTAL of 52 sharks have been caught off Gladstone in shark control equipment this year – the biggest a 3.95m tiger shark.

Minister for Primary Industries Tim Mulherin this week released the latest shark statistics, urging residents to follow safety advice.

“More than 500 sharks have already been caught state-wide in shark nets or on drumlines since January, with 2009 set to be on a par with previous years,” the minister said.

Mr Mulherin said of the 52 sharks caught in Gladstone this year, five were two metres or longer.

“Any size shark can cause serious injury or death if they attack, however, sharks more than two metres long are particularly dangerous and are more likely to cause fatal injuries,” he warned.

Mr Mulherin said rain and warmer weather would increase shark movement, particularly bull sharks.

“Sharks are a natural part of the marine environment and when people enter the water they need to remember they are entering their domain,” he said.

Queensland Shark Control Program manager Tony Ham said shark control equipment was in place off 85 Queensland beaches.

“The program is designed to capture large and dangerous shark species in a particular area,” Mr Ham said.

“(The equipment is not impenetrable, but) is effective in reducing the overall number of sharks in the area and in turn reducing the risk of a shark attack.

“Shark interactions with humans strike fear into most people, but in reality the chances of being bitten by a shark are relatively low.”