The Dorsal Fin

NewzStringer has posted the above video in which Surfwatch Australia’s Michael Brown, an aerial patrol officer, discusses his views on the effectiveness of Sydney’s shark nets and possible alternative options to the net system. Brown suggests that research is needed on sonar-based alert systems and electronic pulse systems.

In related news, the Newcastle Herald recently interviewed shark attack survivor, Lisa Mondy, who spoke out against the use of shark nets. Mondy, who was bitten by a great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) last March, told the Herald that the nets were outdated and ineffective at preventing shark attacks. Mondy added that the nets indiscriminately kill various forms of marine life in addition to sharks.

You can check out the entire article at the Newcastle Herald.

Kudos to Rory Gibson of Australia’s Courier Mail, for his article, Hysteria over shark risk to swimmers unfounded. His commentary on the media and public reaction to the story about a photo of mauled great white shark caught on a drum line last month is both entertaining and poignant. Gibson points out, in a very tongue-in-cheek nature, that relatively low risks of shark attacks on humans, and stresses the need for conservation of the great white shark as a species. He is also critical of the Queensland shark control program, which “indiscriminantly kills a creature listed as vulnerable under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.” Gibson suggests a moratorium on shark nets and drum lines until a non-lethal solution for managing white shark populations can be devised. Check out the entire article at the Courier Mail.