Humans to blame for sealife toll
Brian Williams, couriermail.com.au 31 Jan 08;
A TOTAL of 103 whales, dolphins and dugong were found dead along the Queensland coast in 2006.
An Environmental Protection Agency report found most of the protected species were victims of boaties, fishermen and the State Government's shark netting and baiting program.
The toll comprised 38 dugong, 41 dolphins and 24 whales. Two seals also were found dead.
The number of humpback whale deaths is expected to increase as their numbers multiply and more come in contact with fishing gear and boats.
The report, released by scientists Jennifer Greenland and Col Limpus, found that most of the deaths occurred between Hervey Bay and the Gold Coast.
A further 16 whales and dolphins were rescued or escaped unaided from nets and other fishing gear.
The report found the probable cause of death or injury was determined in 43 cases and of these humans were implicated in 38. It found another five deaths were due to natural causes.
Figures on turtle deaths are still being compiled and are expected to be about 400.
