Conservationists Slam Australia Shark Policy As More Killed
Mohammad Ali (@ChaudhryMAli88) Published September 24, 2018 | 04:23 PM
Conservationists on Monday slammed the baiting and killing of sharks at a popular Great Barrier Reef tourist spot after two swimmers were attacked, saying the policy was brutal and indiscriminate.
Sydney, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Sep, 2018 ) :Conservationists on Monday slammed the baiting and killing of sharks at a popular Great Barrier Reef tourist spot after two swimmers were attacked, saying the policy was brutal and indiscriminate.
Queensland state authorities deployed drumlines -- which use baited hooks to catch the predators -- at the Whitsunday Islands after two tourists were mauled in separate incidents a day apart last week.
Hannah Papps, 12, and 46-year-old Justine Barwick, who were bitten on their legs, remain in hospital.
Fisheries Queensland said Monday that six sharks -- five tiger sharks measuring up to 3.7 metres (12 feet) long and one smaller black tip shark -- were killed after being ensnared in the drumlines.
The government agency said the sharks were "humanely euthanised" and "taken out to sea for disposal". Local media said they were shot.
"The message is these waters are not safe for swimming," a Fisheries spokeswoman said.
The attacks have revived debate about the best policies to reduce shark encounters.
Conservationists have been critical of the use of drumlines, saying they are a blunt instrument that would often catch other marine creatures as well.
Marine scientists have also said that killing sharks could disrupt the ecology of the ocean.
"Culling is not the solution to prevent shark bites," Humane Society International said.
"These drumlines will indiscriminately catch and kill marine life, whilst potentially attracting sharks to the area." Sea Shepherd Australia's Jonathan Clark said the attacks had taken place in an area where "fishers take sharks" and where locals should know not to swim.
"We have been told... it's a safe harbour for boats but not for swimming. Were locals and visitors adequately warned following the first bite incident?" Clark added in a statement as he called for better public information protocols.
Barwick's husband told Fairfax Media that while he understood why authorities were culling sharks after the encounters, "shark attacks are rare and sharks play an important role in the ecosystem of the Great Barrier Reef".
New South Wales, the country's most populous state, experienced a spate of attacks several years ago and has since trialled non-lethal measures such as aerial drones to track sharks' movements.
Experts say shark attacks are increasing as water sports become more popular and bait fish move closer to shore, but fatalities remain rare.
Recent Stories
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 26 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 26 April 2024
ICC Womens T20 World Cup Qualifier, Match 2: Ireland Women open with Comfortable ..
Robinson, bowlers help New Zealand go 2-1 up against Pakistan
Shahzeb Chachar to hold khuli kachehri on April 26
Heatwave amid Israel's aggression in Gaza brings new misery, disease risk
Tourism must change, mayor says as Venice launches entry fee
Court adjourns Judicial Complex attack case till May 17
Nasreen Noori’s book ‘Popatan Jahra Khwab’ launched
Wafaqi Mohtasib inspection team visits Excise and taxation office
AJLAC announces 5th Conference titled ‘People’s Mandate: Safeguarding Civil ..
Pak-US officials engage to enhance trade, investment ties
More Stories From World
-
United by grief, families of Boeing crash victims demand justice
10 minutes ago -
Microsoft expands its AI empire abroad
20 minutes ago -
China ready to work with Pakistan to promote practical cooperation under CPEC, GDI: Luo Zhaohui
20 minutes ago -
Nuggets push Lakers to brink as Embiid's 50 points lead Sixers over Knicks
30 minutes ago -
Man City in title groove as Arsenal face Spurs test
30 minutes ago -
Philippine settlement submerged by dam reappears due to drought
30 minutes ago
-
ByteDance says 'no plans' to sell TikTok after US ban law
1 hour ago -
Oil: 'Mother of corruption' in Venezuela
1 hour ago -
ECO General Secretary urges member nations to embrace cultural wealth
1 hour ago -
China warns Blinken over deteriorating ties in talks
1 hour ago -
Famine-threatened Sudan's 'race against time' to plant crops
2 hours ago -
Microsoft, Google earnings shine as AI drives revenue
2 hours ago