Queensland Shark Management Plan

About the plan

The plan:

• sets out the overarching framework for the operation of the Queensland Shark Control Program
• delivers a strengthened approach to reducing the risk of shark attacks through boosted investment in operations, research, trials and education
• is supported by an annual implementation plan.

KPMG Australia worked with an expert panel and key stakeholders to review the Queensland Shark Management Plan 2021–2025.

It found that the program must respond to a variety of drivers, including:

• changing shark and human populations
• increasing urbanisation of the Queensland coastline
• increasing tourism activity and greater overlap between human activities and shark populations
• environmental variations.

Scope

The program currently operates at 86 beaches across Queensland’s most popular coastal beaches.

Shark control equipment is maintained and serviced by expert contractors at 10 locations.

In future, there will be:

• a more flexible, science-based approach to the program
• regular reviews of existing program equipment to ensure the program purpose is being achieved
• a review of locations to ensure the program evolves and is operating where it is needed, based on changing population and tourism trends.

The program is driven by evidence, research and the exploration of new and emerging technologies, while also prioritising the continued implementation of proven solutions, like drone surveillance.

A key strategy to prevent shark attacks is through education about shark attack risks and how human behaviour can play a role in reducing shark interactions.

Guiding principles

1. The program will operate at all times throughout the year: Queensland’s beaches are used all year round. Removing shark control gear for part of the year compromises the purpose of the program. Gear will remain operational for the whole year, weather permitting.
2. Optimal location and configuration of gear: The optimal locations and configuration of gear will be based on an analysis of the location and efficacy of the existing gear.
3. Continued use of traditional drumlines and mesh nets: Until alternatives are proven effective at reducing the risk of shark attacks, the program will continue to use mesh nets and traditional drumlines. Research and trials into other mitigation devices or strategies are to continue.
4. Catch alert drumlines are to be used only where required under Commonwealth legislation or approvals: Traditional drumlines are considered more effective and will be the preferred type of drumline used until alternatives are proven to be effective, apart from where catch alert drumlines are required to be used.
5. Continued use of SharkSmart drones: Drones are being trialled by Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) at 10 beaches across the state, and their use and expansion will continue.
6. Continued research and innovation in shark management: We will develop and implement a framework for the identification, trial and assessment of new technologies and management practices.
7. Research into whale-deterrent technology and best practice marine animal release: We will invest in research into technology to better deter whales from interacting with program gear and continue our best practice in the release of entangled marine animals.
8. Review shark control management plans: Shark control management plans are reviewed every 4 years, with the next review to be conducted in 2029.
9. Refresh the SharkSmart campaign: The campaign is to be reviewed to ensure it continues to have an impact.

Focus areas

The timing to deliver key initiatives is outlined in the Queensland Shark Management Implementation Plan.

1. Operations

Objective:

• Deliver an effective program that reduces the risk of shark attacks at specific locations.

Priority initiatives:

• Operate shark control equipment (nets and drumlines) throughout the year with daily servicing.
• Optimise the location and configuration of shark control equipment.
• Maintain the Marine Animal Release Team (MART).
• Continue and extend the SharkSmart Drone Program with SLSQ—investigate opportunities to extend coverage and improve the effectiveness.
• Develop performance measures to assess performance.

2. Research

Objective:

• Deliver research that is focused on achieving the purpose of the program.

Priority initiatives:

• Review the Queensland Shark Control Program Research Strategy.
• Conduct shark population studies and evaluate the potential impact of the program.
• Research the effectiveness and invest in the innovation of whale-deterrent technology.
• Deliver research to improve forensic shark attack investigation tools.
• Continue to tag and track target shark species.

3. Trials

Objective:

• Conduct scientific trials to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of operations, and trial alternatives to currently approved shark control equipment to determine suitability for Queensland conditions.

Priority initiatives:

• Develop and implement a framework for the systematic identification, trial and assessment of new technologies and management practices.
• Continue and expand catch alert drumline trials where legally required within the Commonwealth Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
• Improve the effectiveness of shark control equipment.

4. Education and engagement

Objective:

• Deliver an education program that empowers the community to make informed decisions about shark attack risks.

Priority initiatives:

• Review the SharkSmart education program— address higher risk activities, apply behaviour change methodologies and incorporate information about shark behaviour.
• Deliver SharkSmart education and extension by investigating new communication channels, developing education partnerships and a fisher extension program.

Monitoring and evaluation

Monitoring:

• Each key initiative is governed by a detailed project plan, which includes monitoring parameters, key performance indicators and evaluation process.
• We will deliver a performance and monitoring framework that aims to ensure the program continues to deliver its purpose.

Evaluation:

• Each year, we will release a progress report on this plan to report on how key initiatives are tracking against the implementation schedule.
• At the completion of each initiative, we will prepare an evaluation report with outcomes and recommendations.
• We will review shark control from 2028 to 2029 to inform a new shark management plan to commence in 2029.

Public reporting

Transparency is key to building public awareness and trust in the activities conducted by the program and its contractors.

For this reason, the program is committed to public reporting through:

• KPMG evaluation report used to inform the development of this plan
• information about the program including operations, trials, research and education
• program catch data
• shark attack data
• shark management plan implementation report and an updated implementation plan
• initiatives under the plan that involve the development of new frameworks and decision-making tools.