Yesterday we launched our 2023 independent annual review of the Queensland shark cull. You can download the full report here. Media traction on the reports release was excellent, including this story in the Courier Mail (subscription required), which picked up on our concerns for Migaloo's wellbeing, given he has not been since since a shark net went missing. 

Here is a snippet from the Executive Summary of the report, to give you an idea of the issues we found during our investigation:

Our aim with this independent Queensland Shark Control Program (QSCP) investigation is to empower the community, media, and any independent investigators such as Federal agencies, the Queensland Ombudsman, and investigative journalists, by providing insights into important issues and failings related to the QSCP, thereby fostering greater transparency and accountability in decision-making processes. Noteworthy findings include: 

• 1,096 animals were caught in the QSCP program in 2023 - the highest amount of catch, and highest percentage of bycatch, in over 20 years on record1. Of these, 614 (or 56%) were non-target bycatch including protected species. Additionally, 286 nontarget shark species were mislabelled by contractors as target species.
• There is no evidence that the QSCP reduces the risk of shark bite. There have been 40 non-fatal incidents and 2 fatal incidents at QSCP beaches since the program’s inception, the low fatality % being explained by fast medical response times, as QSCP beaches are also patrolled. The most recent shark bite incident at a QSCP beach occurred just days before the release of this report, at Bargara which is a heavily drumlined beach (20 drumlines). In 2021, Mark Furner (Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries) went so far as to admit that QDAF does not measure the effectiveness of the QSCP “The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries does not specifically collect data on shark bites.” 
• It is evident that the QSCP consistently and routinely violates the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 (Queensland) during its day-to-day operations. The QSCP is only able to operate without facing prosecution for animal cruelty due to an exemption in the act written explicitly for this program (s46). 
• The QSCP is in clear breach of federal environmental legislation, Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act, s43b continuation of use provision, and must immediately cease or apply for a permit via Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW). 
• Migaloo was once again not sighted in 2023. It has come to light that a shark net disappeared from Rainbow Beach on 10 August, 2021. This comes just over a year after the final documented Migaloo sighting. The net is understood to have disappeared over the night of 20th/21st of August. There have been no sightings of Migaloo since this shark net went missing.
• Instances of QDAF contradicting or ignoring Scientific Working Group advice raise concerns about the program's decision-making process. Issues include program enlargement without adequate explanation, delays in implementing recommendations, and disagreements regarding target shark species. 
• Data from 2023 reveals alarming instances of predation on caught animals, with 68 recorded cases of predation and five animals found decomposed after prolonged entanglement. These incidents raise questions about the program’s efficacy in minimising risks to beachgoers, as the program is actually providing an attractant drawing sharks closer to shore. 
• The Department continues to employ misleading language, such as "euthanise," which appears aimed at downplaying public opposition to the inherently cruel aspects of the program. This deliberate choice of terminology obscures the reality of the program's actions and undermines transparency, making it challenging for the public to fully grasp the extent of animal suffering caused by the QSCP. 

This comprehensive investigation into the QSCP serves to enlighten stakeholders and the public about critical issues and failures within the program, ultimately aiming to foster greater transparency and accountability in decision-making processes. The findings underscore systemic deficiencies, including excessive bycatch, breaches of animal welfare laws, environmental legislation, and disregard for scientific advice. The QSCP's use of misleading language further compounds concerns, highlighting the urgent need for reform and oversight to ensure the protection of marine ecosystems and public safety along Queensland's coastline.