[Greens-Media] Ballina shark attack

[Nic Clyde]

Media Release from Ian Cohen MLC
8th April 2008
 
Ballina shark attack
 
“As a fellow north coast surfer, I offer my condolences to the family
of the young man that tragically lost his life after being mauled by a
shark today in Ballina”, said Upper House Greens MP and long time
shark conservation campaigner - Ian Cohen.
 
“It’s entirely appropriate at this time to focus attention on the
tragic loss of life and also on the bravery of this young man’s friend
who re-entered the water in a selfless and courageous act that is worthy
of a bravery medal.
 
“It is also inevitable that the age-old debate will re-emerge about
the safety of people in the surf.
 
“Obviously at a time like this it’s very difficult for us all to
look beyond the shocking incident itself, but we do need to remember
that this is the first fatal attack in NSW in the last 15 years, and
that the vast majority of shark species are harmless.
 
“Of the 150 species of shark found in Australian waters, only 3 are a
danger to people along the coastline. These are the Bull sharks thought
to be responsible for this attack, Tiger sharks and the Great white
which is listed as a ‘Vulnerable’ species.
 
“To maintain some perspective on the relative risk of fatal shark
attack, it’s important to note that last year alone in Australia there
were 82 coastal drowning deaths but no fatal shark attacks. 
 
“In NSW from November 2006 to November 2007, there were 40 coastal
drowning deaths. The sad fact remains that the greatest threats to beach
goers are hazardous rips, treacherous surf and skin cancer. This is
something that should be considered before the community starts
victimising all shark species.
 
“As a surfer, there’s always that fear of a shark attack in the
back of your mind when you paddle out, but we still go surfing. 
 
“This incident highlights the bravery of the young man’s friend. It
also underscores the importance of surfing with a buddy – particularly
at more remote beaches.
 
“Although this incident is deeply shocking to us all, the reality is
that surfing remains a relatively safe sport and the average of 1
fatality per decade from shark attack should not undermine shark
conservation efforts generally,” said Mr Cohen.
 
Further Information: Ian Cohen: 0409 989 466 or Nic Clyde: 0417 742
754

Nic Clyde
Adviser, Greens MLC Ian Cohen
Macquarie Street, Sydney, 2000
Tel: +61-2-9230 3305, Fax: +61-2-9230 2267
Mobile: 0417 742 754
Web: www.iancohen.org.au