Outline I.What is the W.A. shark cull? II.W.A. shark attack records III.Opposition IV.Will it work? V.Alternative Strategies

What is the W.A. shark cull? State government policy of capturing and killing large sharks by using baited drum lines 3 month program 72 drum lines across 200 km Target: Great Whites, Bull sharks, and Tiger sharks Caught: 172 Killed: 50

Important to remember: shark attacks are random events!

Opposition Activists removed bait from drum lines Protestors gathered on the beach on two occasions ranging in the thousands

Will it work? Theory: fishing close to popular swimming beaches deceases local populations, thus reducing human interactions Theory: fishing close to popular swimming beaches deceases local populations, thus reducing human interactions Evidence supports localized decline… but not in all species Evidence supports localized decline… but not in all species White sharks and tiger sharks are highly mobile White sharks and tiger sharks are highly mobile No white sharks captured, mostly tiger sharks No white sharks captured, mostly tiger sharks 70% of catch weren't large enough to be considered a threat or were bycatch 70% of catch weren't large enough to be considered a threat or were bycatch

Alternative strategies Satellite-linked shark tagging Personal shark protection – Electronic shark deterrents – Camouflage wetsuits

Questions?