Fisheries Queensland has confirmed that shark control equipment is now back in place at South-East Queensland beaches following the recent cyclone.
Shark Control Program Manager at the Agency, Michael Mikitis said equipment was restored to beaches on the Gold and Sunshine Coasts, as weather permitted.
“It is normal practice to remove the shark control equipment when rough weather is forecast and we took out the majority of Gold Coast nets on New Year’s Day,” Mr Mikitis said.
“All shark nets were reinstalled to Gold Coast beaches on 6 January after the strong winds and large swell had abated,” he said.
Mr Mikitis said sea conditions on the Sunshine Coast forced the removal of two shark nets at Caloundra and Coolum beaches on 5 January, but they had now been replaced.
“The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries will continue to monitor ongoing weather conditions and act as required to ensure swimmer safety through the SharkSmart campaign and the Shark Control Program, which operates at 86 Queensland beaches,” he said.
“With most beaches in the South-East open again, beach-goers are reminded to be SharkSmart every time they are on or in the water.”
He said being SharkSmart included swimming between the flags at patrolled beaches and checking signage; having a buddy and looking out for each other; and avoiding swimming at dawn or dusk.
“To keep risks to a minimum you should avoid schools of bait fishing or diving birds; keep fish waste and food scraps out of the water where people swim and swim in clear water away from fishers,” Mr Mikitis said.
