SHARK DRUM
LINE PROGRAM
61. Hon LYNN MacLAREN to the
Minister for Fisheries:
(1) Please
list all the types of tags that have been attached to sharks that have been
caught on drum lines and released since the current shark strategy began,
including whether the tags are simple identity tags or acoustic transmitter
tags.
(2) In
relation to (1), how many of each type of tag have been attached to the
released sharks?
(3) Will the
government monitor the survival rate of the released sharks in the days
following their release?
(4) If yes
to (3), what method will the government use to do this?
(5) If no to
(4), why not?
(6) Does the
exemption granted by the federal environment minister extend to releasing
sharks less than three metres long in a state of serious injury or dying?
Hon
KEN BASTON replied:
I thank the honourable
member for some notice of this question.
(1) In the
metropolitan area, three sharks have been tagged with acoustic tags. One was
both internally and externally tagged, and two were only internally tagged.
Twenty-five sharks have been tagged with conventional tags, which are plastic
numerically marked fin tags attached to the dorsal fin. Specialist training on
tagging of sharks will be provided to the south west contractor by Department
of Fisheries personnel commencing on 20 February 2014.
(2) See
answer to (1).
(3) Yes, if
possible.
(4) The
acoustically tagged sharks will be monitored if they trigger a satellite–linked
receiver buoy.
(5) The
conventional tags can be monitored only on recapture. If any of the released
sharks are recaptured, that information will be recorded.
(6) The
exemption provided by the federal environment minister is for the setting of up
to 72 baited drum lines, each with a single size 25/0 hook, approximately, in
Western Australian state waters. The white, tiger and bull sharks three metres
or more in length will be destroyed and those under three metres will be
released.