In 2023, greater than 700 marine animals, together with 9 dolphins, fell sufferer to Queensland’s controversial shark culling program, using shark nets and drum traces. The information, compiled by Conservation teams advocating towards this system, sheds mild on the dying toll and raises renewed considerations concerning the effectiveness and ethics of those deadly measures.
Regardless of being in follow for the reason that Nineteen Sixties, the usage of nets and drum traces to catch and kill “goal” shark species, reminiscent of white sharks and tiger sharks, lacks clear scientific proof supporting their efficacy in lowering shark assaults. The Humane Society Worldwide and the Australian Marine Conservation Society have scrutinized 2023 authorities information, revealing that 722 marine animals misplaced their lives as unintended casualties.
The grim statistics embrace 614 “non-target” animals ensnared by drum traces, starting from humpback whales and dugongs to dolphins and turtles. Tragically, greater than 400 of those animals, together with 9 dolphins and 5 turtles, met their demise. Roughly 30% of the non-target animals caught had been launched alive, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of those strategies.
Since 2014, the toll on marine life has been important, with 15 “critically endangered” gray nurse sharks, 92 dolphins, two whales, and 273 rays dropping their lives. The indiscriminate affect on each goal and non-target species underscores the necessity for a reassessment of the present shark management measures.
Marine biologists and shark scientists argue that the present strategy is outdated and ineffective. Lawrence Chlebeck from the Humane Society Worldwide emphasizes that shark incidents are uncommon, and the prevailing program doesn’t successfully forestall them. Dr. Leonardo Guida of the Australian Marine Conservation Society advocates for extra fashionable, efficient, and humane strategies to guard beachgoers from potential shark assaults.
Specialists suggest various strategies, together with the usage of drone expertise to observe busy seashores. Critics argue that the present program, which has been in place for over six a long time, fails to satisfy up to date security requirements and lacks adaptability to extra superior and humane strategies.
The Queensland Division of Agriculture and Fisheries defends the shark management program, stating that the safety of human life is its high precedence. The division asserts that measures are in place to restrict the affect on non-target species, reminiscent of digital warning units and various baits. They declare that the extent of bycatch in 2023 is in step with earlier years, throughout the regular vary of variability.
This article by Trinity Sparke was first revealed by One Inexperienced Planet on 13 January 2024. Picture Credit score: VisionDive/Shutterstock.
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