The IUCN/SSC Shark Specialist Group
Shark News 12: November 1998
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Beach Meshing to Continue in New Zealand
Beach meshing for sharks has been underway in Australia and South
Africa for many years. However, it is not widely known that New
Zealand also has a long-running programme in the Dunedin area.
Recently, the Dunedin City Council reviewed the use of beach
meshing during summer off three swimming beaches. The nets have
been in use since 1969-1970, following three fatal attacks by white
sharks over a four-year period. The Council has decided to retain the
nets, in consideration of the following factors:
- greater concern for human life than shark life.
- the low number of sharks caught each year (19 on average in recent
years).
- little evidence of significant harmful effects on the marine ecosystem.
- the excellent record of the shark nets (no attacks since 1971 - for
whatever reason).
- the relatively low per annum cost of the programme (NZ$25,000).
The Council also decided to continue to require improved catch
records from the contractor, as has been the case in recent seasons.
Copyright Sid Cook 1989.
All rights reserved.
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