NSW Greens Spokesperson for Marine Environment and Fisheries and Member for Ballina Tamara Smith will be holding Premier Mike Baird and Minister for Primary Industries Niall Blair to their word, that the trial of smart drumlines in Ballina will be transparent and guided by science.
“We must be very clear that today’s announcement is not considered the final solution to shark management on our beaches, it’s simply a trial,” Ms Smith said.
“This technology has only been committed for testing and if it doesn’t work for our ocean users and threatens our marine life I will be calling for their immediate removal.”
“Bi-catch and fatalities of our marine life will be unacceptable.”
“I will personally be seeking to join monitoring crews on boats throughout this trial period,” Ms Smith said.
“The Minister has assured me that DPI staff will be rostered to enable a 24 hour call out response, in order to tag and release marine life who meet with the technology.
“I will also be making sure Byron Bay beaches are adequately supported as part of the trials, through measures that do not interfere with the health of Cape Byron Marine Park.
“I have been so proud of this community and the way we have approached shark management throughout this challenging period,” Ms Smith said.
“I believe it’s our persistence and passion that has guided the Premier and the Minister to strike a compromise around shark management in this state seeks to protect ocean users while considering our marine biodiversity.”