(SHARKS) AUSTRALIA — In response to last year’s five fatal shark attacks, the Australian government has launched a rather excitable plan to lash back and attack the sharks instead. Taking what they call, “proactive action,” the government unveiled the $7.12 million track, catch, and destroy operation. If a shark happens to wander too close to the beach, it’s their life that will be in danger now. Read on for the full details on this controversial new preventative measure. — Global Animal
Mother Nature Network, Agence France-Presse
Sharks that stray too close to beaches on Australia’s west coast will be caught and killed under a new government plan in response to an unprecedented spate of fatalities.
Western Australia Premier Colin Barnett unveiled a Aus$6.85 million (US$7.12 million) package in shark mitigation strategies, including a track, catch and destroy program, in the wake of five fatal attacks over the past year.
Fisheries Minister Norman Moore said the move would enable “proactive action” as soon as a shark was detected close to beachgoers instead of waiting for the animal to strike.
“Previously the orders were used in response to an attack, but now proactive action will be taken if a large white shark presents imminent threat to people,” said Moore.
The funding package includes Aus$2 million for shark hunting and killing and Aus$2 million for a tagging and tracking program that is already under way and providing real-time alerts on social media when sharks enter populated areas.
A further Aus$2 million would be set aside for shark research, while the remaining funding would be devoted to extra jet-skis for life guards, a study and trial of enclosures and a smartphone application for shark alerts.
“These new measures will not only help us to understand the behaviour of sharks but also offer beachgoers greater protection and confidence as we head into summer,” said Barnett.
Western Australia’s government has come under growing pressure to increase protection measures after the five deaths over the past year — an unprecedented number for such a short period.
The most recent fatality was in July, when a surfer was bitten in half in a savage attack near Wedge Island, north of Perth, with another mauled but escaping alive last month at far-flung Red Bluff.
Most fatal attacks in the region involve great whites, among the largest shark species in the world and made famous by the horror movie “Jaws.” They can grow up to 20 feet long and weigh up to two tons.
Sharks are common in Australian waters but deadly attacks have previously been rare, with only one of the average 15 incidents a year typically proving fatal.
Experts say the average number of attacks in the country has increased in line with population growth and the popularity of water sports.
More Mother Nature Network: http://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/animals/stories/australia-shark-attacks-spark-kill-orders
HUMAN SPECIES is the most destructive, hypocritical, selfish, mean and stupid of all … shame I am one of them .. and there is nothing I can do … about belonging to them …
How severely misguided.
Why can’t people understand that the ocean needs sharks
Thank you for your comment Lisa Flynn. We find this information very useful. We understand it’s a tricky situation and we appreciate your feedback.
For the fact checker: it is not Australians or even the Australian government, it is one Australian state government, out of seven, making an independent choice to implement this plan.More…