Understanding the World’s Longest Shark Cull
Madison Churchill
For over eighty years, Australia’s state governments have been culling sharks under the pretense of beach-goer safety. Nets and drumlines span across the Queensland and New South Wales coasts killing sea life indiscriminately with severe ecological damage. Whales, dolphins, turtles, and birds are all collateral damage in a misguided fight against sharks. Here to uncover the truth is Andre Borell, documentary filmmaker and co-founder of The Hype Project. His film Envoy: Shark Cull aims to raise awareness and spark global outrage.
Photo: Annie Guttridge.
Ineffectiveness
Drumlines and bait nets used to cull sharks have been proven ineffective in a court of law. In the eight decades since the nets were put in place, there has been no decrease in shark-attack fatalities, while at the expense of hundreds of thousands of sea creatures that are killed by the nets. Extensive scientific studies show these types of nets actually bait and draw sharks closer to shore as they’re enticed by free meals from other animals caught in the nets. Borell advocates for use of shark-safe alternatives that have proven successful when tested elsewhere such as drones, shark-safe barriers, and personal deterrents for divers and surfers.
Shark Populations
Borell states that sixteen of the nineteen target shark species pose little to no threat to humans, and that many of these species are considered by CITES to be threatened or critically endangered. Some have faced a 70-90% decline. As apex predators, sharks have a crucial role to play in the ecosystem and their removal causes a cascade effect. Sharks are incredibly important in their habitats, yet they have been largely misunderstood which has led to apathetic response from the public. Borell speaks to the intelligence of these creatures and insists they are not the mindless killers they’ve been made out to be.
Photo: Annie Guttridge.
“Calculated, curious, cautious animals,” he says, “Spend some time with them below the surface, and you will see they are far, far, from what Hollywood and the Media will have you believe.”
Bycatch
“The amount of bycatch is horrific,” Borell says.
Not only do cull nets decimate shark species, but estimates show as much as 97% of what they catch is not on the target species list. Marine mammals are frequently ensnared, as are non-target sharks, turtles, rays, and other creatures that make up this ecosystem. Even when something is un-intentionally caught, it is illegal to tamper with these nets in an attempt to free any non-target species. This is the longest running marine cull in history and has killed hundreds of thousands of marine animals.
Photo: Annie Guttridge.
Government involvement
State governments have been ignoring recommendations from scientists that these nets are ineffective and cause incalculable ecological harm.
“They in fact provide a false sense of security to ocean goers,” Borell says. The Australian government has access to many studies insisting on removal of the nets, yet the state governments continue this destructive practice. With the upcoming documentary, Borell hopes to raise awareness and point people towards the facts. He believes that the world needs to understand this issue and intends to insight substantial change.
The Film
“[I] fulfilled various roles and worked endless hours on the production of Envoy: Shark Cull, driven by an unwavering creative vision and burning desire to facilitate change,” Borell says.
In the grand scheme of shark conservation, this cull is a sight-specific issue that requires global attention. Borell refers to the project as cleaning up their own backyard before they can move onto broader issues in conservation. With an amazing cast full of shark-people and passionate ocean lovers, these minds are coming together to create an impactful documentary and insight global change for sharks and marine life everywhere.
“Nothing matters unless we make positive change.”
If you’ve enjoyed reading this interview with Andre Borell, you can follow the film here. You can find out more about the upcoming documentary Envoy: Shark Cull here.
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