Shark nets nixed before Cyclone Freda

Environment News

Shark nets removed as ex-tropical cyclone looms

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 3 January, 2013 : - - Shark nets along four Sunshine Coast beaches have been removed in anticipation of six-metre waves set to be whipped up by ex-tropical Cyclone Freda at the weekend. The nets at Caloundra, Mooloolaba, Coolum and Rainbow Beach were removed yesterday.

Fisheries Queensland Shark Control Program manager Jeff Krause has issued a watching brief to crews along the southeast coast and will consider removing shark nets at Maroochydore and Alexandra Headland today.

But nets along Gold Coast beaches are expected to remain in place. "Shark control gear can come adrift in adverse weather so it's important we remove it before it becomes another potential hazard in the water," Mr Krause said.

"While every effort is made to anchor the gear, high seas caused by strong winds can set some gear adrift. "The nets will be returned to the water when conditions improve."

Beaches will remain open, despite the absence of the shark nets, although swimmers and surfers are urged to be vigilant. Ex-tropical Cyclone Freda, currently off northern New Caledonia and moving south-southeast, generated treacherous conditions on Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast beaches yesterday.

With Freda's influence likely to strengthen through the weekend, surfers could not have asked for a better start to 2013.

Read the full article at the Brisbane Times

Source: Brisbane Times

Author: Marissa Calligeros

Tags: Shark Nets, Sunshine Coast, Cyclones

Environment: Surfersvillage