The Sunshine Coast shark control nets that were removed earlier this week due to forecast wild weather are now being put back in the water.
Fisheries Queensland Shark Control Program manager Jeff Krause said weather conditions have improved and forecasts for this weekend are for seas to drop to around 2.5m from the initial 6m predictions.
“The conditions were pretty rough early this week so it was best to be cautious and remove the nets,” Mr Krause said.
“We prefer to take a preventative approach when adverse weather is forecast to reduce the number of potential hazards in the water.
“The Mooloolaba, Caloundra and Coolum nets were restored this morning, and we plan to restore the Rainbow Beach nets this weekend if the forecast remains the same.
“Shark control contractors checked shark control gear throughout the week, and no remaining gear was displaced during the rough seas.
“We strongly encourage people to follow lifesaving service warnings about staying out of the water when conditions are dangerous.”
Mr Krause said while the Shark Control Program does reduce the overall number of large, dangerous sharks in the area, people should follow these swimmer safety tips to reduce the risk of shark attack:
- Swim or surf only at patrolled beaches and between the flags
- Obey lifesavers’ and lifeguards’ advice, and heed all sign and safety warnings
- Leave the water immediately if a shark is sighted
- Do not swim or surf after dusk, at night or before dawn when sharks are most active
- Do not swim or surf in murky waters
- Do not swim in or near mouths of estuaries, artificial canals and lakes
- Never swim alone
- Never swim when bleeding
- Do not swim near schools of fish or where fish are being cleaned
- Do not swim near or interfere with shark control equipment
- Do not swim with animals.
Shark control gear is in place on 23 beaches on the Sunshine Coast, including 11 nets and 78 drumlines.
If people see shark control gear including ropes, netting or buoys which has come loose, call the Shark Hotline on 1800 806 891, so that the area can be signed for safety until the equipment can be retrieved.
Latest fisheries information is also available via Twitter – www.twitter.com/fisheriesQLD or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FisheriesQueensland