The indiscriminate killing of white sharks will not make beaches safer and should not be permitted in NSW, according to NSW Greens Marine and Fisheries spokesperson Justin Field.
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The Milton resident has called on NSW Fisheries Minister Niall Blair to rule out the culling of white sharks across the state.
Federal Environment Minister Josh Frydenberg is considering removing the “vulnerable and threatened” protection status for great white sharks following the outcome of a CSIRO study, due later in the year.
Reports claim the NSW Minister has not “ruled out” a shark cull based on the study results.
Mr Field said Ministers Frydenberg and Blair’s suggestion of a shark cull before the study is complete “shows they are only interested in whipping up hysteria and fear about sharks, with little interest in the scientific evidence”.
“The facts and science show the risk of a shark bite is extremely rare, and healthy shark populations are essential for a healthy ocean,” he said.
“I’m calling on NSW Fisheries Minister Niall Blair not to give in to scaremongering and rule out a shark cull in this state.
“Shark management has developed and evolved with a suite of effective non-lethal measures including SMART drumlines, community monitoring programs and significant improvements in personal deterrent devices.”
Results from a recent trial of SMART drumlines at beaches off the NSW North Coast have found the technology more effective than shark nets in catching and tagging White Sharks.
A further trial of SMART drumlines is set for the waters off the NSW South Coast this summer.
“Minister Niall Blair should make it clear that NSW supports an evidence-based approach to shark management and rule out the culling of White Sharks,” Mr Field said.
