THE first great white sharks have been tagged and successfully released as part of the NSW Government’s North Coast Local Waters Shark Tagging Project.
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Minister for Primary Industries Niall Blair said scientists will track two 2.2m female great white shark.
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They will look at their movements over coming months to gain a better understanding of behaviour patterns.
“This program will provide vital information about sharks and their movements on the North Coast – the more information we have, the better equipped we are to implement measures to reduce the risk of further attacks,” Mr Blair said.
“We are determined to make our beaches safer 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.”
Researchers from the Department of Primary Industries and CSIRO will continue the tagging program in coming days if weather conditions are favourable.
In addition to the tagging program, DPI fisheries vessels were deployed to conduct on-water surveillance.
The NSW Government will also launch a comprehensive public education campaign, in partnership with Surf Lifesaving NSW.
Applications for lookout towers funding from the Towers Grant Program will be fast tracked.
An independent review into available shark deterrent technology is expected late next month and will inform any future trials to be conducted in NSW waters.