The initiatives taken by the NSW government aim to ensure the safety of both sharks and beachgoers.
Just south of Port Macquarie, a bodyboarder was bitten by a shark last week at Lighthouse Beach. Last February, a surfer was mauled to death in Ballina. These shark attacks are just a few among the 11 others who were attacked in recent months on the New South Wales coast. And since culling has proved to be a terrible idea, the Australian government has been taking quite a bit of heat as of late, as concerned citizens are pushing for alternative measures to be taken to ensure the safety of both sharks and beachgoers.
The video above shows the first great white sharks that have been tagged as part of the New South Wales government’s new monitoring measures to protect the the coastal communities following the several attacks in recent months.
“We are determined to make our beaches safer,” Minister for Primary Industries, Niall Blair told the ABC. “That’s why we are investing $250,000 in a suite of measures, including this crucial research program, a review of new technologies, and a targeted awareness campaign.”
The $250,000 project will also involve water surveillance and monitoring and a campaign to educate the public about the species with Surf Lifesaving NSW. The NSW Government is also discussing further funding for lookout towers. The outcomes of an independent review into shark deterrent technology are also expected to be released next month.
