Minister's Misstep: Tony Perrett's Blatantly False Claim on Shark Culling

Queensland's Fisheries Minister, Tony Perrett, recently asserted that "Traditional [shark culling] methods, such as nets and drumlines, are scientifically proven to be the most effective tool in protecting swimmers."

This statement stands in stark contrast to well established scientific evidence and expert consensus, casting doubt on the government's commitment to evidence-based policy. 

In other words, it is blatant misinformation.

Thermal imaging drone footage from Envoy Foundation volunteer Erin Kirkwood tracking whale entanglement in Noosa

A Shift from Previous Leadership

Under the previous Labor Government, Fisheries Minister Mark Furner maintained a more cautious approach. While he supported lethal shark control methods, he refrained from making such unequivocal claims about their effectiveness. Instead, Furner emphasized the need for effective alternatives before making changes, stating: 

"The Queensland Government always puts the safety of people first and will not make changes, including the removal of shark nets, until effective alternatives are identified and proven suitable for Queensland conditions." - Minister Furner, 2024

This approach, although omitting the truth behind the absolute inefficacy of lethal shark control measures, doesn’t brazenly make a false claim.

Is Shark Culling ‘Effective’?

Contrary to Minister Perrett's claims, a substantial body of scientific research indicates that lethal shark nets and drumlines are neither effective nor appropriate for protecting swimmers:

• KPMG (2024) Report: The latest advice from the KPMG report commissioned by the Queensland DPI which recommended removing the nets during peak whale migration period.

• Huveneers (2024) Study: This is the most comprehensive review on shark mitigation to date highlighting that there is no evidence to suggest that shark nets prevent negative shark interactions and that non-lethal alternatives have shown significantly lower levels of negative shark interactions when in use.

• HSI 2019 Court Case: In the case of Humane Society International (Australia) Inc v Department of Agriculture & Fisheries (Qld) in 2019, it was concluded that "The lethal component of the SCP does not reduce the risk of unprovoked shark interactions. The scientific evidence before us is overwhelming in this regard." Humane Society International's legal action led to the cessation of lethal shark control measures in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, underscoring their ineffectiveness and detrimental impact on marine life.

• 2017 Federal Senate Inquiry: The inquiry concluded that lethal shark control methods do not improve public safety and recommended replacing them with non-lethal alternatives, such as SMART drumlines, eco-barriers, and aerial surveillance (drones).

Minister Tony Perrett's assertion is not supported by any credible scientific evidence. His statement not only misrepresents the facts but also undermines public trust in the government's commitment to evidence-based shark mitigation safety policy and marine conservation.

Requests for clarification on the scientific basis for Minister Perrett’s statement above have so far gone unanswered.