is a freelance blogger based in Pakistan. The following was said about Queensland's use of lethal drum lines: "Lethal drum lines in Queensland are used to catch and kill sharks. You would have to kill a lot of sharks to create the level of depletion needed to result in a measurable drop in the risk to humans". More about how we earn money as an affiliate. Every animal entangled suffers when shark culling, Australia-wide. We need to avoid shark culls and give them enough time to survive, grow, and reproduce. The culling of animals also prevents the spread of diseases that would destroy a particular species gene pool. That list can include any act that further endangers already threatened species, or adversely affects two or more listed threatened species. Long term shark control programs using shark nets and/or drum lines have been very successful at reducing the incidence of shark attacks at the beaches where they are installed. Shark nets are also used in New South Wales, which includes major cities like Sydney and Canberra. They are literal nets that are designed to prevent sharks from getting near humans. You might be thinking that culling sharks would decrease the risk of attack, however, thats not the case. "With some species of shark seeing a 90 percent reduction, culling sharks could effectively result in dead zones in the oceans providing. During that period, about 114 sharks and other animals died. Alerts from surf safeguards and lifeguards in case of danger/threat. Endangered Species in California You Need to Know, 18 Best Greenhouse Accessories | Must-Haves in 2023, Copyright OurEndangedWorld | All Rights Reserved, Environmental Organizations in The Philippines, Environmental Organizations in North America, Environmental Organizations in South America, Best Energy-Efficient Electric Fireplaces, animals is driven by public hysteria and arbitrary reasons, 10 Impactful Ways to Conserve Coral Reefs. Here is a trailer of Shark Beach featuring Chris Hemsworth diving with sharks in Australia. Read More. In Mauritius, the Mauritius flying fox had been causing great losses to farmers. [23], Following 11 shark attacks along the New South Wales north coast between 2014 and 2016, including two fatalities,[24] shark nets and "smart" drum lines were deployed in December 2016 to cover five additional beaches along the New South Wales North Coast in a six-month trial. There has been strong opposition to the policy, including from one man who vandalised Premier Colin Barnett's office. Fin-mounted satellite tags are also commonly used. SMART Drumlines Catch, Tag, Release, & Monitor. But there has to be a plan in place to help achieve desired outcomes and mitigate the risks. Natalie Banks, testified the statement saying that the use of shark hooks has never proven to work. Global Perspectives on the Biology and Life History of the White Shark", "A comparison of the shark control programs of New South Wales and Queensland (Australia) and KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa)", "Durban activists claim 'shark nets serve no purpose', "Man Who Devoted Life To Sharks, Killed Off The Coast Of Reunion", "In Face Of Shark Attacks, Some Suggest A Gruesome Preemptive Strike", "Shark Nets in Australia What Are They and How Do They Work? Fact Check: Are smart drum lines just a PR exercise? A drum line consists of a large, baited hook suspended from a large plastic float, which in turn is anchored to the sea bed. Also during this period, a total of 15,135 marine animals were killed in the nets, including whales, turtles, rays, dolphins, and dugongs. [11][12][13][14], Carl Meyer, a researcher at the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, calls the disagreements about shark culling a "philosophical" debate, about "whether it is ethical to kill large predators in order to make the natural environment a safer playground for humans. She started writing about her passion for the environment when the world came to a stop in early 2020. Before culling is done, it is important to consider the economic benefits of the exercise. The Grom Life participates in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products. Legal shark culling is mainly practiced in four locations: New South Wales (Australia), Queensland (Australia), KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa), and Reunion Waters (France). The founder of. Shark culling is a term used to describe the blatant killing of sharks and is also used by some to describe the use of traditional drumlines. Intentionally reducing the number of sharks have more negative effects on the ocean than we can comprehend. In December 2013, the Western Australian Government announced the deployment of drum lines along popular beaches, but no permanent drum lines have been used in WA since April 30, 2014. This shows that the benefits of shark tourism have a cascading effect on the entire ecosystem. Protecting humans from sharks: What are the options? [12] During the same 30-year period, 2,211 turtles, 8,448 rays, and 2,310 dolphins were killed. In Hawaii, sharks were culled during the 1960s and '70s with no reduction in bites; recent tagging research implicates habitat preference as the primary driver of shark density, with new sharks moving into preferred areas upon the elimination of other sharks. [1] From 2013 to 2014, 667 sharks were killed on Queensland's drum lines and in shark nets, including great white sharks and critically endangered grey nurse sharks. In Northern Australia, tourists are offered an opportunity to hunt crocodiles that have been earmarked for culling. [22][21][11][39][40][70][71][72][73], The Sea Shepherd group said, "Politicians responsible for the shark cull policy have displayed an unwillingness to explore other shark mitigation strategies". 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 states coast. [80] Australia's commercial shark fishing industry catches over 1200 tonnes of shark each year,[64] 130 of which being great white sharks. [62], Environmentalists, conservationists, scientists, animal rights activists and shark experts oppose shark culling. [14][48], Shark nets were installed in Dunedin, New Zealand for roughly 40 years, and were removed in 2011. "[46] Runion authorities currently kill about 100 sharks per year. There are several creatures, as small as microscopic infectious viruses to as big as hippopotamuses, that had befallen death on our loved one. Decent Essays. Unfortunately, our government authorities aren't marine ecology experts and don't always understand the impacts of such a decision. Many tourists are willing to pay thousands of dollars to go on hunting expeditions aimed at culling animals. You will find affiliate links which means we may earn a commission if you purchase through these links. Those with undesirable traits are culled, allowing farmers to drive profitability. Apps In total, more than 8,000 marine species with some level of protection status have been caught by the Queensland Shark Control Program, including 719 loggerhead turtles, 442 manta rays and 33 critically endangered hawksbill turtles. [16], Christopher Neff, a Ph.D. scholar at the University of Sydney notes, "Internationally, shark nets have been labeled a 'key threatening process' for killing endangered species." Billions of them were killed. CONS: Further testing needed, including to see if large fish and non-target marine life are picked up by the buoys. [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. [41] National Geographic cameraman Andy Casagrande said the following about the cull: "When will basic intelligence and respect for the planet be a requirement for highly paid supposedly educated government officials? "You're in their territory" is a common refrain from those who believe the best way to protect humans from sharks is to enter the water at your own risk. [47] George H. Burgess called the killings "an archaic, knee-jerk reaction that seems more borne of vengeance than of science. The culling of ferrets led to a doubling of their population. 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. [49] The nets were found to be detrimental to the environment700 non-target species were killed. Basically, the sharks are unable to move and this is fatal for many species. I Was Curious, So I Tried It A Few Times, Best Mountain Biking Trails in Moab, Utah. PROS: Supporters argue fewer sharks equal fewer attacks. PROS: Swimmers and surfers can be warned if a shark is detected close to shore. to reach maturity. The unsuccessful trial in Lennox Head resulted in debris from the half-built barriers polluting the area and the estimated cost of the unsuccessful trial was $2.6 million. These diseases can decimate large animal and human populations if not well handled. Between 2017 and 2018, it was reported that 403 marine animals were killed by the use of shark nets. Sonar devices known as Clever Buoys are said to detect all varieties of marine animals over two metres long, based on the way they move through the water. Sharks: they're some of the most majestic and wondrous animals in the ocean. Already, many of the worlds largest animals such as elephants, sharks, whales, rhino, and bears are at risk of extinction. All Its just not true. "Sharks keep oceans and reefs healthy," Banks said. I can understand that because there has been a lot of aggression and threatening behaviour in the community.. To put that into perspective, jellyfish kill 40 people a year and in the United States alone, over 400 people die from falling out of bed. Below are five reasons why the practice is not 100% foolproof. Sharks are more use alive than dead This is a difficult time. We should always establish both the pros and cons of culling animals before imposing any culling measures on any species. Culling is the process of selective elimination of animals based on traits or factors such as health, appearance, and sex. They have been trialled in Western Australia. 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. As a result, the government started culling them. [12][42] The region's shark attack statistics primarily reflect the effectiveness of netting, as drum lines were only introduced recently, following their successful use for over 40 years in Queensland, Australia. for and against shark culling with fierce representations and opinions on both ends of the table. The feral cats of Tasmania are a case in point. Apart from harming unrelated species, culling may also have worse ecological consequences that may affect humans. There also economic benefits of culling domestic animals, especially in commercial farming. 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. They are used throughout Western Australia where they are typically fixed at a depth of about 6 meters and run just under 200 meters long. And, sharks are being caught faster than they can mature. Both domestic and wild animals can contract diseases when they come into contact with bacteria in soil, plants, or water. also dubbed as the Shark Mitigation Strategy, is the deliberate killing of sharks by government authorities in response to shark attacks, often backed by public safety concerns (an effort to reduce shark attacks on public beaches). For example, between 1967 and 1994, South Africa culled a total of 14,562 elephants. [39][41] Environmental groups criticized the cull; Shark Conservation Australia called the killings a "disgusting knee-jerk reaction" and said it was "a very shameful day here in Australia". SMART drum lines will send a realtime alert that notifies authorities that a shark (or other large marine life) has taken the bait is and is hooked on the line attached to the SMART drum line. Sharks captured using SMART drumlines are tagged and released into the wild where they can be studies further. They also scavenge, clearing the water of decomposing debris. First introduced in the 1930s at a time when we didn't know much about biodiversity, shark behaviour or sharks' vital role in ocean ecosystems. "[17], A drum line is an unmanned aquatic trap used to lure and capture large sharks using baited hookssome (such as those in Queensland) are designed to kill sharks. [26], In August 2018, it was announced that the nets in northern New South Wales would be removed, but that the nets in Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong would stay. Environmentalists have proposed the banning of shark culling and the use of drum lines because they are threats to endangered species. PROS: Statistics support their efficacy, with one fatality at a netted beach between Newcastle and Wollongong in the past 70 years and an overall drop in shark interactions with humans since nets were installed around Sydney and Queensland. Because were looking at the pros and cons of culling animals, it is important to address the question; is calling animals bad? Here, culling is done based on factors affecting cow performance, such as milk production, reproductive status, and diseases. The breeder takes all things into consideration when envisioning their ideal for the breed or goal of their breeding program. Cape Cod voters, tourists and commercial fishermen are all likely to recognize sharks as an important, beneficial piece of the local marine ecosystem, but when it comes to seals, the groups have more divergent views, according to newly published data. 501(c)(3) Non-Profit, Tax ID#: 82-1646340, The Truth about Shark Culling & the Devastating Environmental Impacts, According to the National Geographic estimates, we have already wiped out 90% of the worlds sharks. This is done to prevent habitat degradation, protect diversity, and reduce human-wildlife conflict. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we live, learn, and work. So culling only hastens the process of extinction. So instead of becoming the solution, culling compounds the problem. The data is bounced to a satellite and an alert is sent to lifeguards and coastal authorities through a mobile phone app. [49], From 1959 to 1976, a government-funded program killed 4,668 sharks in Hawaii. Demonstrable effectiveness means a measurable decrease in shark bite incidents in response to culling activities. Between October 2007 and December 2011, about 23% of animals caught on the drum lines died. If a particular species population becomes too large, that species becomes a threat not just to themselves but also to other animals. "Shark culling is a relic of the past. They did kill 14 great white sharks as well, but at what cost? The disappearance of scallops and clams in the restaurants is an indicator of the declining shark population. Pollution Types, Shark Nets trap other small creatures as turtles (via Unsplash), The ocean plays an integral role in sustaining our environment and climate, so do sharks and every other creature that lives below the surface. This is done by targeting and eliminating animals that are sick or have undesirable characteristics. Mr Barnett says commercial fishermen . The Dorsal App claims to be Australia's largest shark alerts and reporting service. [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. Among the advocates was the world-renowned surf champion and climate activist, Kelly Slater. As of May, 2021, the effectiveness of SMART drumlines were in question, adding more fuel to the controversial topic of shark culling. Of these animals, 7 were dolphins, 7 were green sea turtles, and 10 were grey nurse sharks, which are critically endangered. Such ecological changes have indirect adverse effects on carbon cycling and, in the longer run, affect our ability to reduce climate change impacts. The sharks' rights are enshrined in our law. [46] In the five years to August 2016, more than 170 sharks were killed as part of the cull. CONS: No more swimming/surfing/kayaking etc. We need to protect sharks to protect our environment. Culling offers many potential benefits, as highlighted below. For example, bison are being culled in Yellowstone National Park. However, there are times when the culling of animals is driven by public hysteria and arbitrary reasons. These diseases are highly infectious and fatal for both animals and humans. As a result, hundreds of professional deer hunters have been employed to help eliminate those with undesirable antlers. Anthrax, for example, is spread by domestic and wild animals. In spite of such efforts no significant decrease in . Miscellaneous Sharks are so crucial for the, A marine biologist from the School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Robert Day, says, the top predators of the trophic levels in any ecosystem are critical because they, decide on whether other species thrive or not, Sharks prey on old, diseased, or weak creatures, thus maintaining the, If the number of sharks in the ocean declines, then other predatory fish species will become abundant that. The attack occurred in an unpatrolled area. [1] Shark culling has been criticized by environmentalists, conservationists and animal welfare advocatesthey say killing sharks harms the marine ecosystem and is unethical. CONS: Nets float above the sea floor and are placed in sections, so do not provide an enclosed area or barrier between people and sharks. Films like Jaws have given everyone the false impression that sharks are out there waiting for humans to bob by so they can snap and feast. Maybe we should have a cull on mattress stores. Drumlines are marine traps designed to capture sharks and many of them are used for shark culling. This number includes sharked culled in the name of protecting humans as well as sharks killed for their fins and cartilage. [28][16][29] Queensland currently operates the largest shark culling program in Australia. Sharks have gained an identity of the vengeful. Other farmers resort to crushing the chicks, a totally unethical practice. [68] Michael Levenson of the Boston Globe said the following about shark culls: "Traditionally, shark hunts, or culls, have been the first and perhaps most primal response to shark attacks worldwide. The KZNSB also states that there were seven fatal attacks at Durban from 1943 until the installation of shark nets in 1952, and that no fatalities or incidents resulting in serious injury have occurred since nets were installed. The simple answer is yes, but if done right. Sharks regulate the behaviour of prey species, and prevent them from over-grazing vital habitats. Sharks have existed for over 450 million years, and there's a reason for that. According to the KZNSB, "from 1940 until most of those beaches were first netted in the 1960s, there were 16 fatal attacks and 11 resulting in serious injury. How Does Saving Water Help Climate Change? Share Envoy: Shark Cull with your family and friends and start a conversation about how we portray sharks and how they need our empathy and . Measures on any species entire ecosystem but also to other animals economic benefits of culling animals imposing. Against shark culling is the process of selective elimination of animals caught on the entire.! About 100 sharks per year ends of the declining shark population the drum lines died opposition the... Sent to lifeguards and coastal authorities through a mobile phone app have undesirable.... 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