Western Australian Government's Shark "Catch & Kill" Policy

[WeAreOneRepublic]

Background: Here in WA we have the world's deadliest shark coast. There are more shark attacks here than anywhere else around the world(with 5 in under 10 months at one point). Many people asked the WA Government to do something and from the that this policy was born. With the help of Department of Fisheries and other depts. and Colin Barnett as the leader this became what they would use to 'save lives'.

Now that this was introduced there has been a large debate and controversy on the drum lines and killing sharks(to the point of large protests and bait being taken off the lines by activist divers). The State Government made this decision probably too quickly without much scientific investigations being made in sustainability and other areas.

So from this outcry for something to be done to this now hatred towards doing it is something that people need to think about.

Sustainability wise this is not the most profitable situation. It was released that "The WA Government is paying more than $600,000 over four months to a contract fisherman to implement its catch and kill shark policy." (Source: ABC News (http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-01-29/barnett-says-shark-catch-and-kill-will-last-two-summers/5225190))

The current policy is that if a shark is caught on the bait lines and is 3m(approx. 9ft) + in length then it is to be shot and dragged 12(?)km out to sea. If it is below that then it is dragged out a similar distance and released.

All the people protesting think something will be done but until hard scientific evidence and figures are produced nothing will happen. The emotion is just firing people up and making them make personal attacks towards Barnett who is only partly to blame.

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Now, I am sitting on the fence on this issue. We won't properly know its affects because we can't even show how people were saved by it.

What are your thoughts from around the world? Considering it is making international news.

[Gumleaf]

I'm not an environmentalist or anything of the such and am a liberal voter, but in this case I agree with the protesters for the most part. When we use the beach we are using the habitat of the sharks, so why should they suffer for our enjoyment? But at the same time it's the governments responsibility to protect the people and I can understand the nature of why these laws are how they are. Perhaps they should do what they do on the east coast and use shark nets?

[AlexOnToast]

When we use the beach we are using the habitat of the sharks, so why should they suffer for our enjoyment?

My thoughts exactly. Exhibit A of human selfishness

[JamesSuperBoy]

I guess people are only attacked by sharks in the water - maybe some other solution can be found but it is a case man will destroy whatever gets in the way.

More deaths and injuries may result from car accidents or drug use - does your government propose to shoot Drunk drivers who kill or injure - or shoot drug users

[WeAreOneRepublic]

I'm not an environmentalist or anything of the such and am a liberal voter, but in this case I agree with the protesters for the most part. When we use the beach we are using the habitat of the sharks, so why should they suffer for our enjoyment? But at the same time it's the governments responsibility to protect the people and I can understand the nature of why these laws are how they are. Perhaps they should do what they do on the east coast and use shark nets?

This is a strong point, with the use of shark nets though you would have a whole other/same group of people protesting that as well because it would possibly trap other species.

I guess people are only attacked by sharks in the water - maybe some other solution can be found but it is a case man will destroy whatever gets in the way.

More deaths and injuries may result from car accidents or drug use - does your government propose to shoot Drunk drivers who kill or injure - or shoot drug users

And that's the thing, to change the plan now will be hard, it was irrational and too quickly put int plan.

And no they don't, they dealt with this too quickly for it to be effective or accepted.

[britishboy]

I would rather sharks die than people.

[Tarannosaurus]

Would it not make more sense to stay away from shark infested waters?

[Gamma Male]

100 Million sharks die from human attacks each year. You know how many people die from shark attacks annually? About 20.







I hate human beings so fucking much.

[Human]

I don't agree in killing sharks to protect people, instead we should just focus on making designated zones where you're guaranteed to be safe not killing the sharks... I wouldn't be comfortable on a beach if I knew I was only safe because the government shot a few sharks