Shark nets causing more harm than good

[Cetacea]

Shark nets along the Gold Coast will not be removed, despite yet another young whale being caught in a net off Burleigh Heads on Tuesday - the fifth so far this migration season.

It took just an hour to free the seven-metre juvenile, which shark control program manager Tony Ham said was probably one of last year's calves.

"This animal was calm and quiet, even though it was windy and conditions were difficult, so that helped the release," he said.

"Happily the mother was there to keep an eye on the young whale, and that usually gives them an opportunity to calm down... so that's usually a good thing for us.

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"It's unacceptable to remove the safety equipment"

Quite apart from the fact we are invading these animals habitat and should accept the consequences rather than altering it to suit our needs, he conveniently forgets about the safer and more effective alternative that could replace destructive nets.

Electronic shark repellents have been very successfully tested. They are highly successful, they are non destructive and have a much lower environmental impact in general. The only problem is the 'there is no physical barrier so it can't be as good' mentality of people. No, it's not as good, it's better!

Edited October 13, 2009 by Cetacea