Western Australian shark cull

Great white shark south africa

Tiger shark

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By hook and by crook

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Colin Barnett, Remembrance Day 2012 (crop)

Shark attack fatalities in Western Australia by decade (1850-2014)

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Taeniura meyeni makunudhoo

Western Australian Shark Cull is a controversial marine conservation policy implemented by the Government of Western Australia in 2014. The policy was introduced in response to a series of shark attacks along Western Australia's coastline, aiming to reduce the risk of further attacks by reducing the population of large sharks, particularly the great white shark, bull shark, and tiger shark, which are considered to pose the greatest threat to humans.

Background

The decision to implement the shark cull was made after a spate of fatal shark attacks between 2010 and 2013, which significantly raised public concern about shark activity in Western Australian waters. The government's response was to set up baited drum lines near popular beaches, with the intention of capturing and killing large sharks.

Implementation

The cull involved the use of baited drum lines - hooks attached to floating drums - off popular beaches to catch sharks. Sharks longer than 3 meters caught on the drum lines were euthanized and disposed of at sea. The policy specified target species of sharks, including the great white, bull, and tiger sharks. The implementation of the cull was met with immediate backlash from various groups, including marine biologists, environmentalists, and the general public, leading to protests and public debates about the effectiveness and ethics of the policy.

Controversy and Impact

Critics of the shark cull argued that it was inhumane, environmentally irresponsible, and scientifically unfounded. They contended that culling would not significantly reduce the risk of shark attacks and that it could negatively impact the marine ecosystem by removing apex predators. Supporters of the policy, however, argued that human safety should be the priority and that the cull was a necessary measure to protect beachgoers.

The controversy also sparked a broader discussion about shark conservation and the most effective ways to manage shark populations while ensuring public safety. Alternatives to culling, such as increased surveillance, public education on shark behavior, and the use of non-lethal deterrents like shark nets and drum lines with catch-and-release mechanisms, were proposed.

Outcome

The Western Australian shark cull was officially ended in 2017, following widespread criticism and a decline in public support. The government shifted its focus towards non-lethal measures, including the use of shark monitoring networks, drone patrols, and public education campaigns to reduce the risk of shark attacks.

Legacy

The Western Australian shark cull remains a contentious issue in discussions about marine conservation and human-wildlife conflict. It has prompted increased research into shark behavior and the effectiveness of various shark management strategies, contributing to a better understanding of how to coexist with these important marine predators.