The Western Australia (WA) government Friday said it would abandon its controversial catch-and-kill shark policy after objections from the state’s environmental agency, in a move welcomed by conservationists. Earlier this year, baited traps known as drum lines were set up as a three-month trial along seven beaches to catch sharks, after a series of fatal attacks. Under the WA government’s proposal, more than 70 hooks would be strung about 1km off popular beaches in Perth and the state’s south-west each summer for the next three years. The regulator cited “a high degree of scientific uncertainty” about the impact on the white shark population. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said it had weighed the potential impact of the plan against the need to maintain “the diversity, geographic distribution and viability” of marine life. It made particular reference to the white shark, because it is listed as a “vulnerable” species.
In view of these uncertainties, the EPA has adopted a cautious approach by recommending against the proposal.
EPA Chairman, Dr Paul Vogel
The catch-and-kill policy was introduced as a trial last summer around popular west coast beaches following a spate of fatal attacks. More than 170 sharks, mostly tiger sharks, were caught during the 13-week season, with 50 of the biggest ones destroyed. The EPA’s recommendation is open to public appeal for two weeks, with a final decision on the shark cull to be made in October by the WA environment minister, Albert Jacobs. The program also needs to be approved by the federal environment minister, Greg Hunt. The WA premier, Colin Barnett, told parliament he was disappointed by the decision, but it was “very unlikely” the government would appeal.