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With five fatal shark attacks in the last couple of years or so, it’s no wonder Western Australian beachgoers are a little on edge. In an attempt to better understand sharks and their movements around the WA coast, the state government has allocated more funding to research.
The WA Department of Fisheries will use a portion of the funds to expand its great white shark tagging-and-tracking project, as well as obtaining genetic samples for population data. WA University’s Ocean Institute will research potential shark deterrents that can be deployed with no adverse ecological effects.
Sadly, the state government has also authorized the killing of sharks — large tiger, bull and great whites — deemed to be posing an imminent threat to humans. While white sharks are a protected species in WA, officers are allowed to kill them under specific circumstances relating to public safety. Protests are gathering in strength.
As it might be a while before we truly understand sharks and shark attacks, the easiest way to prevent shark-related accidents is to change the behavior of humans and the way they view the ocean.
Show your love for sharks!!! Check out Top 10 Shark Dives From Whale Sharks to Great White Sharks.
