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WA Shark Bites Surge: Expert Warns of Climate Change
19 Sep
Summary
- Shark bites in WA are increasing year-on-year, a marine biologist warned.
- Climate change may be driving the rise in shark attacks off WA's coast.
- WA urged to adopt non-lethal alternatives like drone surveillance.
A marine biologist has urged the Western Australian government to intervene as shark bites along the coast are escalating annually. This plea follows the state's third fatal shark attack this year. The most recent incident involved a man being fatally attacked by a large shark near Sorrento Beach, west of Perth.
According to Laurence Chlebeck from Humane World for Animals Australia, climate change could be a significant factor contributing to the rise in shark encounters. He explained that changing ocean conditions and altered prey distribution, influenced by climate shifts, likely play a role.
Chlebeck emphasized that WA could benefit from strategies employed in other states like New South Wales and Queensland, which have invested in non-lethal safety measures. These include advanced drone surveillance programs, which offer an essential aerial view to enhance beach safety during busy periods.
He cautioned against hunting and killing sharks involved in attacks, labeling it as a retributive act rather than an effective risk reduction strategy. Chlebeck also noted that widespread culling is unlikely to be effective due to the migratory nature of sharks. Instead, he recommended focusing on behavioural changes for ocean users and promoting scientifically tested personal shark deterrents, which have shown significant success in reducing interactions.
