Following two fatal shark attacks, the South Australian government has implemented a ban on rock lobster pots at Granites Beach, located on the western Eyre Peninsula. This decision, effective from July 25, 2023, has sparked debate among local fishers who challenge the lack of scientific evidence supporting the measure.
The tragic passing of surfer Lance Appleby in January raised significant community concerns regarding shark safety. In response, local authorities and the Surf Life Saving South Australia (SLSSA) have been advocating for various shark mitigation strategies. Among these, the removal of rock lobster pots was seen as a way to address fears that fishing activities might be “conditioning” sharks to associate humans with potential prey.
Despite the community’s push for action, the removal of the lobster pots has faced criticism from fishers. Kyri Toumazos, executive officer of the South Australian Northern Zone Rock Lobster Association, expressed disappointment at the decision, stating, “Our fundamental concern for this decision, with no scientific backing, is to see it actually be rolled out in other areas.” He emphasized that while the number of directly affected fishers is small, the broader implications of policy-making without scientific evidence could set a concerning precedent.
The government itself acknowledged the lack of empirical support for the effectiveness of this measure. In its announcement, officials stated, “There is no evidence that this is effective as shark mitigation.” The exclusion zone will apply specifically to the immediate area around Granites, with no plans to extend it to other locations at this time.
The Streaky Bay community has taken a proactive stance following the tragedy. Mayor Travis Barber remarked that while the removal of the pots would not be a definitive solution, any steps toward improving safety were welcomed. He noted that the initiative stemmed from local surf riders who proposed the ban to the council, which subsequently supported their efforts.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Claire Scriven emphasized the government’s responsiveness to community sentiment following the January incident. “I visited Streaky Bay in the weeks that followed the tragic loss of surfer Lance Appleby,” Ms. Scriven mentioned. “The community sentiment about the immediate area around Granites was understandably very strong.”
The local Shark Task Force has been operational since October 2023, working on recommendations to enhance safety measures in the region. Mayor Barber highlighted that significant progress had already been made in implementing these recommendations, with four measures introduced since the shark attack.
New safety protocols include a noticeboard and flagpole system to alert surfers of shark sightings, along with plans for drone surveillance and a new rescue boat for the Streaky Bay State Emergency Service (SES). These initiatives reflect the community’s commitment to improving safety while balancing the interests of rock lobster fishers.
As the debate continues, the South Australian government faces the challenge of addressing public safety concerns while ensuring that policy decisions are based on sound scientific evidence. The impact of this ban on the local fishing community and its effectiveness in preventing shark attacks will likely remain under scrutiny in the months ahead.
