Jane Williamson writes in The Conversation (29.9.16) about the apparent ineffectiveness of Queensland’s shark control program, in the wake of a series of shark bite incidents off northern New South Wales beaches.
‘Sharks are back in the headlines this week following the attack of 17-year-old Cooper Allen off the coast of New South Wales.
‘In response there have been renewed calls for culling and even the establishment of a commercial shark fishery. Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk offered to extend her state’s shark control program to include northern New South Wales beaches.
‘Any unprovoked shark bite is devastating for individuals and communities. Accepting Queensland’s offer of increased culling in New South Wales waters, however, will not automatically reduce the chance of these bites occurring.
‘So how does Queensland’s program stack up and should it be extended?’
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