Shark Attack in Australia

Seems to me that Queenslanders are wimps when it comes to sharks. While it is a good idea not to go near shark nets and drum lines, I do not believe in anyway that sharks pose a great risk.

When we compare shark attacks to say dying on the toilet the toilet wins hands down as there are only a few deaths from shark attack each year it is so strange the fear it generates!

I we compare the workplace deaths and just took those that were gruesome like shark attacks, eg caught in a PTO shaft, dragged into a tree mulcher, run over by a slasher, head caught in a post driver you'll see that a shark might let you off lightly and only take a leg or arm.

But the workplace won't! The South Australians must laugh at the fear up here as when you surf down there, there are no nets and great big White pointers.


Biggest sharks caught off Coast

19.10.2006
By PETER GARDINER

SUNSHINE Coast surfers and swimmers have been warned they are dicing with death by going close to drum lines that have caught four-metre sharks this year.

The state government yesterday issued the warning, saying there were "disturbing reports" from fisheries officers of people getting too close to nets or drumlines.

"It seems inconceivable that some people would be deliberately in the water near shark safety gear - shark control equipment is designed to capture large and dangerous shark species," Fisheries Minister Tim Mulherin said.

"Swimming, windsurfing, or board paddling near the gear not only shows a complete absence of common sense but is extremely dangerous.

Two of the biggest sharks caught off the Queensland coast in the past year have been either netted or taken on baited drum lines off Coast beaches.

A 4.2-metre tiger shark was caught at Currimundi by Fisheries Department shark catchers while a four metre hammerhead was taken at Wurtulla. More than 550 sharks have been caught in Queensland in a year.

The Coast sharks were among eight potential man-eaters caught state-wide which measured 4m or better, with the biggest a 4.5m tiger snared off Bundaberg’s Kellys Beach.

"In addition to increasing the risk of shark attack, people are also putting themselves at risk of being tangled or hooked on the gear which could cause serious injury or drowning," the Minister said.

Former Noosa head lifeguard and Channel 10 coast reporter Scott Braby said he is not surprised by the swimmer warning, or by reports of large sharks being taken.

Mr Braby, who still coaches young lifesavers, said he had witnessed swimmers going near sharks nets which sometimes can be only 400m from shore at Noosa.

He said other water craft users also have gone close to the nets and he was guilty years ago of paddling out to see what was in them.

"These days I tell all my kids I coach not to go out there for their safety," Mr Braby said.

He said sharks were particularly attracted to baited drum lines and some of the shark catchers he had talked with had told him that some large shark hooks had been straightened.

Of the 553 sharks caught off beaches by the program last financial year, 135 were caught on the Sunshine Coast which is defined as from Bribie Island to Rainbow Beach. Rainbow Beach was definitely shark alley with 48 taken there.

Of all the Coast shark catches 68 were more than two metres in length.

"Any size shark can cause serious injury or death if they attack, however sharks more than 2m in length are particularly dangerous," Mr Mulherin said.

"People should also be aware that the bigger and more aggressive sharks, particularly tiger sharks, follow whales migrating south at this time of year.

"This brings these species closer to shore."