Will smart drum lines actually prevent shark attacks? The KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board (KZNSB) says, "Both types of equipment function by reducing shark numbers in the vicinity of protected beaches, thereby lowering the probability of encounters between sharks and people at those beaches." What Is Shark Culling? Avoiding shark culling allows fish to mature and recover. [59] Organisations that support shark control programmes include the Queensland State Government,[41] NSW State Government,[1] Surfing Australia,[60] Surfing NSW,[61] Surf Life Saving Queensland,[62] several politicians within the Liberal National Party of Queensland,[41] the French Overseas Department of Runion,[63] and the KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board. Below are the 10 important pros and cons of culling animals. ", "Western Australia's 'Serious Threat' Shark Policy Condemned by Senate", "Western Australia's Shark Culls Lack Bite (And Science)", "Sharks: How a cull could ruin an ecosystem", "No Shark Cull: Why Some Surfers Don't Want to Kill Great Whites Despite Lethal Attacks", "Responding to the risk of white shark attack: updated statistics, prevention, control, methods and recommendation. More about how we earn money as an affiliate. They believe that we should protect the danger and put sharks before humans. This shows that the benefits of shark tourism have a cascading effect on the entire ecosystem. This leads to an explosion in population because the older ones are not there to chase away or kill the younger ones. PROS: Supporters argue fewer sharks equal fewer attacks. The WA State Government has issued a tender for professional fishers to catch and kill all white, bull and tiger sharks more than three metres long in certain areas along the state's coast. PROS: Ability to sight sharks from the air and potentially give warning to water-goers through the use of sirens or signals. PROS: Ability to save sharks once they are caught. The same happens in North America, where tourists pay as much as 500 dollars to hunt White-tail deer. For an ocean with sharks is a healthy ocean and one that stands a greater chance in mitigating against the climate emergency we are in. (a site that tracks attacks and fatalities by sharks across Australia), there is an average of 10 fatalities per year due to shark attacks globally, compared to the approximately 100 million sharks killed by humans annually for food, sport, and safety. They have been trialled in Western Australia. '"[34], In October 2018, the Queensland state government proposed a policy which would ban the photography of shark culling in Queensland; Lawrence Chlebeck of Humane Society International said the following about this proposal: "The Queensland Government's plan to put exclusion zones around shark control equipment is simply a measure to keep the slaughter of sharks and marine wildlife hidden from public view. But scientists argue that while such hunts may quench the public's desire for vengeance after a [shark] attack, they do little to reduce the likelihood of another one. The state government decided to spray pesticides targeting those mosquitoes that bite humans at night. But the question is, do shark culling programs help save human lives? [78], In a program in Recife, Brazil, sharks were captured and moved 8 kilometers away from local beaches (though, the program did result in the deaths of about 23% of animals caught on the drum lines, including 114 sharks between 2007 and 2011). In Hawaii, almost 5,000 sharks were culled between 1959 and 1976 (18 years) with no reduction in shark bites. Should Shark Culling Be Banned? There are several creatures, as small as microscopic infectious viruses to as big as hippopotamuses, that had befallen death on our loved one. [1] Shark culling has been criticized by environmentalists, conservationists and animal welfare advocatesthey say killing sharks harms the marine ecosystem and is unethical. Great Whites are an endangered species and therefore enjoy legal protection. [15][52], In 2014, a shark cull in Western Australia killed dozens of sharks (mostly tiger sharks) using drum lines,[53] until it was canceled after public protests and a decision by the Western Australia EPA; from 2014 to 2017, there was an "imminent threat" policy in Western Australia in which sharks that "threatened" humans in the ocean were shot and killed. "[15], Shark nets such as those used in New South Wales are designed to entangle and kill sharks and other animals that pass near them. The statement, however, was twisted by a local newspaper writer as the lives of sharks are more important than humans. "[31], Shark nets and drum lines are utilised to kill sharks in a "shark control" program in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa[1][12][42] which has been occurring in KwaZulu-Natal since the 1950s. [11] In the first 11 months of 2013, 633 sharks were captured in Queenslandmore than 95% of those sharks were killed. The Dorsal App claims to be Australia's largest shark alerts and reporting service. Shark Culling Facts. It has been said that these methods of shark control have trapped over 5,000 marine turtles, and killed hundreds of dolphins, whales, rays, and other marine animals. [19], The government of Queensland currently kills sharks in the Great Barrier Reef using 173 lethal drum lines; in 2018, Humane Society International filed a lawsuit (court challenge) requesting that the drum lines be removed there. His comments come as WA activists band together to form a special unit in a bid to sabotage the catch-and-kill shark policy. [10], Shark culling mainly occurs in four locations: New South Wales, Queensland, KwaZulu-Natal and Runion. This should serve as a warning to those culling elephants. There is another fascinating benefit they provide, with the bigger shark species using their size to intimidate and regulate the behaviour of their prey, stopping them from overusing certain habitats. There also economic benefits of culling domestic animals, especially in commercial farming. The tags are attached to a small arrow-head and a short tether and are usually attached to sharks using a tag pole as they swim past a vessel. But is it necessary, and is it ever morally just to willfully kill an animal just for what it might do? However, sometimes they do not distinguish between the different types of bats. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we live, learn, and work. Even if an animal is released, it may not survive. Invasive Species Pros Cons Sharks are an important source of tourism across Australia. As a result, they were classified as pests, and the government initiated efforts to cull them. The nets are submerged near high-population areas and are designed to trap, entangle, and kill the shark. Surfer Mick Fanning changed the colour of his board from yellow to dark blue after hearing sharks were attracted to lightly coloured, shiny things. As northern New South Wales residents continue to debate the best way to deal with shark attacks in the region, we take a look at the pros and cons of the most popular options available to protect people from ocean predators. [62], Environmentalists, conservationists, scientists, animal rights activists and shark experts oppose shark culling. Well, heres a detailed list of all the benefits and drawbacks that come with this practice. [12][42][13] Shark Angels states, "It is hard to believe with all we know about sharks, including their dwindling numbers, their critical role in our oceans, and the small risk they actually pose to us, that the archaic process of killing these animals for bather protection still exists. Whats more, 65% of the shark attacks that occurred in New South Wales were at beaches that had nets installed. "Shark culling is a relic of the past. [17][11] The current net program in New South Wales has been described as being "extremely destructive" to marine life, including sharks. [1] "From 1900 to 1937, 13 people were killed off New South Wales surf beaches by sharks; over the next 72 years, the death rate fell to eight, only one of which was at a meshed beach. There are certainly a disproportionate number of them out there. [25] No shark attacks occurred at the netted beaches during the trial, and the trial was continued for the 2017-18 summer. [28][16][29] Queensland currently operates the largest shark culling program in Australia. [32] It has been argued that killing sharks in the Great Barrier Reef is "vastly inconsistent with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority's main objective, 'to provide for the long-term protection and conservation of the environment. [36] Queensland Fisheries Minister John McVeigh has described the longevity of the netting and drum line program as being "a good indicator that it had the support of most Queenslanders". Just as we cannot scare our kids that they cannot go in the water or theyll get chopped in half, we dont have control over the oceans; thats their home. Those in opposition argue on the lack of scientific evidence for the approachs efficiency and moral grounds. Unfortunately, of the 172 sharks that were killed, none were white sharks. Mr Barnett says commercial fishermen are understandably wary. Every animal entangled suffers when shark culling, Australia-wide. So culling only hastens the process of extinction. Often inhumanely culled for their notorious, Sharks keep our oceans and reefs healthy, Other research suggests killing sharks actually, published by a team of researchers from Deakin University, University of Technology, Sydney, Griffith University, and Utah State University in "Nature Climate Change,"warns that the declining population of top ocean predators, i.e. For example, in dairy farming, culling is important because it helps determine the cows economic performance. Top on this list of pros and cons of culling animals are the economic benefits from culling. The aim is to reduce that particular species population to a specific number or only those with specific traits. [37] However, a 2014 poll indicated that 80% of Australians did not approve of shark culling in Australia. [57] In January 2019 the Environmental Protection Authority of Western Australia determined that the "SMART" drumline trial would have minimal impact on the environment.[58]. Shark-spotting programs using surveillance techniques, including drones, private helicopters, observation towers and even blimps, are being trialled in various locations across the globe. This means they have to be culled. How does killing sharks affect the ecosystem? "[12], The prevalence of shark attacks at Runion Islandthere were 19 attacks between 2011 and 2016, including seven which were fatalprompted Runion island's government to carry out a range of systematic long term activities utilising "smart" drumlines and longlines. Decent Essays. The RSPCA does not support killing sharks as a response to shark incidents involving humans. Environmental Protection Authority of Western Australia, the French Overseas Department of Runion, "Can governments protect people from killer sharks? A range of brightly coloured and striped wetsuits are currently being marketed as shark deterring outfits. Those with undesirable traits are culled, allowing farmers to drive profitability. This explains why this point could not miss on our list of important pros and cons of culling animals. Also, the removal of some animals creates more space and food for those left, leading to a higher rate of survival and reproduction. This is done by targeting and eliminating animals that are sick or have undesirable characteristics. Sparrows helped to regulate the population of locusts and other insect pests in rural China. It is a disservice to the public. Maybe we should have a cull on mattress stores. [46] In the five years to August 2016, more than 170 sharks were killed as part of the cull. PROS: An electrical repellent known as the 'shark shield' has been independently shown to be effective at deterring sharks from biting, most of the time. is a freelance blogger based in Pakistan. The problem is that they float and dont connect with the shoreline or the surface, so its possible for sharks to swim over and under them. Cleaning of garbage and sewage runoff. Some of the methods used to kill sharks include: On the surface, a shark net sounds like a pretty humane way to trap and release a shark, but shark nets are designed to kill. CONS: Contractor required to check drumlines and relocate the sharks, contractor needs to reach the caught shark in a timely manner, other marine life may be caught. Unfortunately, instead of the yields increasing, they went down, causing greater losses. They are then deprived of oxygen and slowly drown to death or are left to be culled by the authorities. Avoiding shark culling allows fish to mature and recover. for and against shark culling with fierce representations and opinions on both ends of the table. The NSW Government plans to relocate and release sharks caught by drum lines. Its just not true. Basically, the sharks are unable to move and this is fatal for many species. "[34], In 2017, "Humane Society International applied for lethal shark control programs in New South Wales and Queensland to be listed as key threatening processes under the federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act [of Australia]. During the latter half of the twentieth century, shark culling was carried out in an attempt to make the waters of Hawaii safer. Its not a quick death and its not a pleasant one, either. The 199798 outbreak of the Nipah virus in Malaysia, for example, claimed the lives of over a hundred pig farmers. As a result, hundreds of professional deer hunters have been employed to help eliminate those with undesirable antlers. Any contact with animals should always be humane. 426 Words; 2 Pages; Decent Essays. So, is culling animals good? The culling of animals also prevents the spread of diseases that would destroy a particular species gene pool. Fishing World is Australias premier and longest established fishing magazine and has become known as the sport fishing bible. From 1959 to 1976, the state of Hawaii culled 4,668 sharks (at an average cost of $182 per shark), including 554 tiger sharks, in a series of shark control programs. "[50], Animal rights activists note the suffering and cruelty inflicted upon animals caught in nets and drum lines: this suffering includes lacerations, stress, pain, disease, and death. They were first installed in 1935. Shark culling is ludicrous, you have more of a chance dying from a coconut falling on you than a shark attack, . These traps are designed to capture bull, tiger, or great white sharks off popular beaches. Speaking of numbers for the, 962 till 2018, Queensland authorities have killed. has been looking into available options to minimize the risk of shark attacks. [20] Between September 2017 and April 2018, more than 403 animals were killed in the nets in New South Wales, including 10 critically endangered grey nurse sharks, seven dolphins, seven green sea turtles and 14 great white sharks. The breeder takes all things into consideration when envisioning their ideal for the breed or goal of their breeding program. Struggling to get your head around the shark situation on the north coast of New South Wales? The Grom Life is an independent publisher. In 2016, the country also announced a decision to cull hippos in Kruger National Park after a drought. These diseases can decimate large animal and human populations if not well handled. According to a spokesperson for WA's Fisheries Minister Ken Baston, in September 2014 the WA Government withdrew its proposal for the operation of drum lines for a further three years because the WA Environmental Protection Authority found there to be a: "high degree of scientific uncertainty about impacts [of drum lines] on the south-western white shark population". More about how we earn money as an affiliate. However, there are times when the culling of animals is driven by public hysteria and arbitrary reasons. Every year, thousands of seals are hunted down and killed as a way of controlling their population. Here is a trailer of Shark Beach featuring Chris Hemsworth diving with sharks in Australia. Consuming sharks will increase the level of mercury you ingest which will in turn increase your risk of neurological disorders, autism, infertility, Coronary heart disease or even death. 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