$88.2M Shark Plan Sparks Debate Over 7,800+ Animal Deaths

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The largest shark control investment in 60 years will deploy more nets, drumlines, and drone surveillance at popular beaches starting July 2025.

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Seven beaches targeted for new shark nets and drumlines, including Pacific Beach, The Spit, Happy Valley, Coolum North, and Peregian North.

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"Today's announcement puts swimmer safety first," says Minister Tony Perrett. But will these measures actually protect people?

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The shocking environmental cost: Last year alone, 1,639 animals were caught in Queensland shark nets, including dolphins, turtles, and rays.

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Marine biologist Lawrence Chlebeck calls the plan "retrograde and irresponsible" with "absolutely no scientific reason to do this."

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Sea Shepherd warns the plan may breach federal environmental law and could actually increase risks to swimmers by attracting sharks closer to shore.

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Over 7,800 non-target animals caught in the past decade - including 734 protected species like endangered grey nurse sharks and dugongs.

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Modern alternatives exist: NSW trials of SMART drumlines show 99% of sharks and 98% of other animals can be released alive.

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The tough question: Will this historic investment make beaches safer, or simply harm more marine life without solving the problem?

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