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Nets and other equipment are trapping 46 sharks a month off the Queensland coast, new figures show.
In total, 505 sharks had been caught between January and November 20, the biggest being a 4.1m tiger shark snared on a drumline off Townsville last month.
Four-metre tiger sharks were caught off Rainbow Beach and North Stradbroke Island.
This year's figures are comparable to 2008, when an average of 48 sharks were trapped each month.
As well as having the largest shark, Townsville had the most, with 106 caught - nearly twice the number elsewhere.
Next came the Sunshine Coast, with 57, followed by Mackay, Capricorn Coast, Gladstone and Rainbow Beach, with 52 each.
Releasing the figures, Fisheries Minister Tim Mulherin said rain and recent warm weather had resulted in an increase in shark movement.
'Sharks are a natural part of the marine environment and when people enter the water they need to remember they are entering their domain,' he said.
'To reduce the risk of a shark attack, people should avoid swimming near river mouths, in canals, artificial lakes and waterways, particularly early in the morning, evening and at night.
'Beaches protected by shark control equipment and lifesaving services are certainly a safer option if going for a swim.'
Of the 505 sharks caught so far this year, 232 have measured 2m or more.
