After a mere two days since the deployment of controversial shark nets on the New South Wales north coast, five great white sharks have been caught – including a reasonably massive 3.2-metre female specimen caught at the same spot where a surfer was bitten in October.
In addition to the monster female, four smaller sharks ranging in size up to three metres long were also caught.
The shark nets have been an issue of great contention on the north coast – with sharp divisions developing between those who have long agitated for nets and those who believe they are cruel and harmful to other sea life. Animal activists staged a number of rallies after Premier Mike Baird backflipped on his previous opposition to nets.
All five of the captured sharks were tagged and released alive. They will be monitored as part of a coastal surveillance program.
In addition to the new nets, an additional 10 SMART drum lines were rolled out along beaches on the north coast. The drum lines are preferred by the anti-net crowd, but many locals point to the spate of recent attacks to suggest that they aren’t enough. A total of 85 will eventually be rolled out.
Regardless of what side of the debate you’re on, one thing is for certain: there sure are some sharks around, hey?
Source: News.com.au.
Photo: Supplied.
