The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has determined that the Gracetown SMART drumline trial was unlikely to have significant environmental impact and did not warrant formal assessment.
The release from the EPA this morning, January 17, follows criticism of the state government by opposition MPs and shark safe groups about the delay in the trial commencing.
Fisheries minister Dave Kelly announced the 15-month trial back in August, however, the submission to the EPA was only made on December 21.
Just days ago, Vasse MLA and Vasse MLA and shadow tourism minister Libby Mettam expressed her frustration and concern that an EPA investigation would delay the trial even further.
She said the trial should have been up and running by now, especially given it was the tourist season.
South West Safe Shark Group committee member Keith Halnan said he had begun to question the government’s integrity over the implementation of the trial due to the number of delays.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) proposal aims to catch, tag, relocate and release white sharks as part of a 15 month trial offshore from Gracetown, in the Ngari Capes Marine Park.
EPA chair Tom Hatton said the short duration of the trial and the restricted geographic footprint limited the potential extent of environmental impact on marine animal populations and habitat.
“The low likelihood of impact on the population of white sharks and other non-target marine species because of the non-lethal measures to be implemented is a key aspect of the trial,” he said.
“Information made available from the New South Wales SMART drumline program about shark survival rates and experience gained from shark handling procedures from DPIRD provided further reassurance of minimal environmental impact.
“The EPA also supports the ongoing commitment to review and consult with the Ministerial Reference Group and the Chief Scientist of WA, and recommends that the findings of the regular progress reports are made publicly available as soon as possible.”
The proposed trial will involve 10 SMART drumlines be set and retrieved daily about 500 metres offshore along an 11.5km stretch of coast off Gracetown.
The EPA received 99 public comments during the seven-day public comment period earlier this month and the matters raised were considered as part of the EPA’s determination.
The determination and full public advice can be found at epa.wa.gov.au.
The EPA’s determination is now open for a two-week public appeal period, closing Thursday, January 31.
Appeals can be made at appealsconvenor.wa.gov.au.
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