The Greens welcome the South Australian government's announcement to increase shark mitigation measures, but urge the federal government to stop palming off responsibility to the states and do more to keep ocean-goers safe and protect vulnerable species.
As stated by Greens spokesperson for healthy oceans, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson:
"Protecting ocean-goers is integral to helping protect sharks.
"The loss and trauma from the devastating spate of shark bites in South Australia earlier this year cannot be underestimated, and sadly these rare but tragic encounters often lead to well-intentioned public pressure on decision-makers to have sharks culled.
"I congratulate the South Australian government for rejecting recent calls to have protected shark species culled. Listening to the science and acting to help avoid future shark encounters by implementing proven educational, surveillance and other measures is a better alternative.
"However, the states can't be left to go it alone. The federal government has the legal responsibility to protect endangered species, like great white sharks, right around our nation's coastlines, and co-ordinating and driving national investment in emerging shark risk mitigation measures to protect ocean-goers is part of that responsibility.
"A Senate inquiry into shark mitigation that I initiated recommended all states follow the lead of the Western Australian government by implementing a simple rebate program to reduce the cost of scientifically tested and proven personal shark mitigation devices. These personal devices have been embraced by over 7000 Western Australian surfers, divers, and other ocean-goers - but so far no other state has taken this easy-to-implement measure.
"We also need a national working group across all states that will look at additional ways to make ocean-goers safer, and for the ACCC to investigate all existing shark mitigation technologies for efficacy and establish national advertising and product promotion standards.
"Instead of embarking on a culture war on sharks and endorsing destructive, and largely ineffective, shark control measures, I urge the federal government and media to look at the science and the Senate inquiry report and understand safety in our oceans and the protection of vulnerable species aren't binary options, both are possible and can be done much more effectively."
