It has been a major story this week - dozens of foreign nationals reached land in North Queensland near Weipa in what it is being described as an alleged people smuggling operation.

But the most alarming thing is they made land fall, and this isn’t the first time dodgy vessels have crossed our borders.

It was only back in March we were speaking to charter boats up in Cape York after illegal fishing vessels were constantly being seized and destroyed.

When will more start to be done.

It was only right for us to ring the fishing communities of Weipa about how they felt about the entire situation and the things we were told were shocking.

We hear from Research Professor at JCU, Jamie Seymour, who has visited Weipa frequently and has more insights into the practices up in these remote parts.

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It's a debate that's making waves across Australia. With commercial net fishing set to be phased out, some in the fishing industry are warning the move could have serious consequences.

They say removing the nets could lead to a boom in shark numbers, which we are already seeing way more in our waters. This in turn would increase the risk for recreational fishers, divers and tourists in some of the state's most popular waters.

So, what really happens if the nets come out.

Nathan Rynn from East Edge Fishing joins Burty to talk through the realities of this huge change, and what needs to be done before it's too late.

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The Queensland Government has announced a $2.4 million investment into world-leading shark research, with scientists set to study everything from shark DNA to tracking their movements in a bid to improve swimmer safety and strengthen the state's Shark Control Program. The research will focus on species like bull sharks and tiger sharks and aims to give the most comprehensive picture yet of Queensland's shark populations.

Deputy Director General Fisheries and Forestry, Pauline Jacob, joins Burty to explain what this research means and why it's important.

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