“Hysteria surrounding the recent shark attacks in Sydney and the continual circulating of myths and incorrect information is irresponsible”, says NSW Greens MLC Ian Cohen. “As a surfer myself, I have the utmost concern for the victims of the recent attacks and appreciate the gravity of their injuries.”
“However, despite the scare-mongering, the reality is that shark populations are still in decline and that meshing our beaches is at best useless in protecting swimmers from sharks and at worst is killing a large number of harmless and endangered marine animals.”
“Both Bondi and Avalon, where the two beach attacks took place, are meshed beaches; further proof that the meshing of NSW’s beaches is a waste of time and only serves to kill many other marine species that are not dangerous to humans. It should be noted that of the sharks that have been caught in the netting, more that 30% per cent are on the beach side of the net,” says Ian Cohen.
“Minister for Primary Industries Ian McDonald continues to defend the shark meshing system which has been in place since the 1930s when the run-off from Homebush abattoir spilled into Malabar. There is no proof that the meshing system has prevented a single shark attack since that time. Mr McDonald should acknowledge that the meshing system serves no purpose but to give the people of NSW a sense of security — security that these two recent attacks have shown to be false.”
“On Sydney’s beaches and in the harbour the increase in the population and the increase in tourist populations compared with the number of attacks recorded shows the risk of shark attack fatality has actually decreased over the last three decades. You are far more likely to be die in your car on the way to the beach”, says Ian Cohen, “and, as these recent attacks prove, there are no guarantees that meshing will save you from a shark attack.”
“I call on Ian McDonald to abandon meshing our beaches and look at alternatives. Electronic shark repellent technology, lifeguard observation and increased use of Coastwatch observation flights – which the Government has scaled down – could better protect both swimmers and marine species.”
“The nets do not extend across the whole beach or from the ocean floor to the water’s surface. There are large gaps between the water surface and the top of the net that would allow most sharks to avoid capture. The nets are more about creating a perception of safety than protecting swimmers.”
“The Australian Shark Attack File, maintained by Taronga Zoo, shows that in the last 50 years there have been only 56 human fatalities (1.12 per year) in Australian waters from shark attack. Given the hundreds of thousands of people who swim at our beaches, harbours and rivers, this is a very small number. The greatest threats to beachgoers are hazardous rips, treacherous surf and skin cancer.”
More information: Catherine Coorey 0402 315 345 or Ian Cohen: 0409 989 466
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