[Greens-Media] What was under the tarp, Minister?

[Walker, Nadine]

What was under the tarp, Minister?
Media statement, Thursday 20 February 2014. 

Greens MLC Lynn MacLaren has called on the Government to reveal what animal it ordered to be hidden under a tarpaulin on a Fisheries drum lining boat off Perth today after a reports of a juvenile dolphin in the area.

"This morning a surf skier on the water apparently saw a juvenile dolphin near the drum lines off Leighton Beach and she followed the animal for about 100 metres," Ms MacLaren said.

"About  20 minutes later, the surf skier witnessed officers on a Fisheries boat pulling something that she thought it might be the dolphin, aboard. 

"Activists went to the area but when they arrived the animal was covered in the tarpaulin and the Fisheries boat sped away, about 6km out to sea, where it could not be followed.

"Is it the first great white shark killed or the first dolphin? I will ask the Fisheries Minister in Parliament today and I demand an honest answer. 

"Yesterday we provided compelling evidence about just how misplaced the drum line strategy is, with footage showing that undersized 'released' sharks are in cases dying animals.

"Today the Government is hiding its catch; what is it afraid of the public seeing?

"Trust won't be improved by secrecy; we deserve better from elected members in a democracy.

"Greens call on the Fisheries Minister to come clean by describing what it hid under the tarpaulin and if photographs were taken, making them available."

For comment: Hon Lynn MacLaren MLC
Mobile 0403 721 951

Media liaison: Nadine Walker
Mobile 0449 189 195