They’ve claimed the lives of thousands of marine animals along Australia’s east coast, including turtles, whales, dolphins, rays and dugongs. No, we’re not talking about sharks. We’re talking about the shark nets and baited drum lines deployed by the Queensland and New South Wales governments.

But do these programs actually protect swimmers? Does the evidence support shark culling? And what alternatives could keep both people and marine life safe?

This week, hosts Tanya Murphy and Brett Goodban sink their teeth into these questions, and plenty more, with shark scientist Dr. Leonardo Guida from the Australian Marine Conservation Society. Together we explore the science behind shark behaviour, the threats facing Australia's incredible shark species, and why some long-held assumptions deserve a closer look. It's an episode with a real bite!

Episode Thumbnail Image: The scalloped hammerhead has been on earth for 28 million years and has no record of ever killing a human - but it's now critically endangered thanks to humans.

Further reading: Are there really more sharks?

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