Humpback Whale entangled in shark net in Gold Coast, Queensland

Credit: N. McLachlan | Commissioned by Humane World for Animals & Australian Marine Conservation Society

End Queensland’s shark control program

Queensland’s Shark Control Program relies on lethal shark nets and drumlines, which harm marine wildlife while failing to improve swimmer safety.

The program includes 27 shark nets in southeast Queensland and 383 lethal drumlines along the coast to Cairns. Neither act as barriers—shark nets are 150 metre-long fishing devices installed 500 metres off ocean beaches year-round and are designed to entangle and kill sharks.

In 2025, 3,623 animals were caught, including whales and dolphins, turtles, and rays. More than 2,500 were killed, including within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

Scientific evidence shows these measures do not reliably reduce the risk of shark bite. With proven non-lethal alternatives available now, Queensland should prioritise effective, science-based solutions that protect both people and marine life.

The Government must end lethal shark culling and adopt science-based solutions that protect both people and marine life.

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{contact_data~title} {contact_data~firstName} {contact_data~lastName} {contact_data~suffix},
{contact_data~organization}

Dear {contact_data~salutation} {contact_data~lastName},

I am writing to express my concern about the continued use of shark culling in Queensland, and the Crisafulli Government’s intention to expand the program.

Shark nets and lethal drumlines kill hundreds of marine animals each year, with more than half being non-target species such as whales, dolphins, turtles, and rays. These measures cause serious harm to marine wildlife while failing to reliably improve swimmer safety. I am concerned dead and dying animals trapped in nets and on drumlines may even be counterproductive for safety by drawing sharks to the beach.

Queensland should urgently transition to proven non-lethal alternatives, including drone surveillance, shark tracking, and education programs.

I respectfully ask that you end lethal shark culling and adopt modern, science-based solutions that protect both people and marine life.

Yours sincerely,
{user_data~First name}

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