Hunt On To Preserve Shark Numbers

March 30, 2008

Release from: Samantha Healy
Courier Mail

Shark researcher Adam Smith is on a mission – to change the public perception of sharks and get a more accurate picture of the number of the predators swimming off the Australian coast.

This weekend Dr Smith, chairman of the Australian Underwater Foundation, will be joined by hundreds of divers across the nation documenting the species and numbers of sharks off our coasts.

The AUF's primary focus is on grey nurse sharks in the Solitary Islands Marine Park in New South Wales.

But after the expedition became known, the foundation was contacted by divers from Victoria, NSW, Queensland, Western Australia and Tasmania wanting to conduct counts in their regions as well.

Dr Smith, who has a degree in marine biology from the University of NSW, said perception and fear of the underwater predators had led to sharks receiving an unfair stereotype.

"The perception of sharks is mostly unwarranted. It is a privilege to see such a wild creature up close, in their natural habitat," Dr Smith said.

"The shark has a bad reputation because of movies like Jaws, but you are in more danger of being hit by a car or struck by lightning (than of being attacked by a shark)."

In addition to participating in the count, Queensland divers will conduct a state-focused count in June.

James Cook University researcher David Welch said the Queensland count would focus primarily on shark species more commonly found in the Great Barrier Reef.

He said while no obvious declines in shark numbers had been observed on the reef, the June count would give researchers a better understanding of the numbers and species that call Queensland home.

Meanwhile, the Queensland Government has advertised tenders for shark-catchers at North Stradbroke Island and on the Gold and Sunshine coasts. Winning tenders will use nets and baited drumlines.

The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries Shark Control Program aims to maintain public safety through effective maintenance of shark nets and reducing the likelihood of attacks.