Tammy McLaren, Narooma Plaza Pharmacy

I do not wish to become involved in a lengthy debate about grey nurse shark with Jenny Edwards (Narooma News, June 1) but her claim that previous letters by myself and Philip Creagh, GNS “seem to be based on a complete misunderstanding” of “critically endangered” criteria warrants a riposte. I have previously been a member of the ACT Government’s Scientific Committee assessing the conservation status of flora and fauna within that territory and am well acquainted with the criteria used for classification. My primary complaint in my previous letter was that the GNS is not a critically endangered species. However, when a photo of this beast appears in the popular press, this claim is inevitably made. Only the population off our east coast is deemed endangered. Such pictures typically show one with a hook in its mouth, implying that these poor animals are under siege. In NSW bait fishing is banned in known aggregation areas and the overall incidence of hooking and post-release mortality is almost certainly of a very low order indeed. The amount of money expended on grey nurse conservation would be better spent on more important marine issues. The Abbot/Turnbull government has waged war on scientific research and the Baird government is little better. Research funding cuts are many.

Richard Tilzey, Tilba

We would like to thank you for attending the many and varied events during the Eurobodalla River of Art Festival from May 20-29. The anecdotal evidence so far indicates a far larger audience than last year.   The arts are well and truly alive in Eurobodalla. We can all be justifiably proud of the creative and inspiring community in which we live and of the economic contribution EROA has made to region and local businesses.

Visitors were astounded by the quality, creativeness and professionalism of our artists, and performers.  Comments were made that the events, performances and works of art were of international standard and were more inspirational than ever before.

We are a not-for-profit organisation run purely by volunteers, whose main mission is to highlight and promote the arts in the Eurobodalla and to bring much needed tourist dollars in the off-peak tourist season. We showcase our inspiring region, support local businesses and contribute to the well-being of our entire community. Visit www.riverofart.com.au.

Sue Barford, Chairperson Eurobodalla River of Art Inc.

Policy on letters in election campaign