Home / Environment / WA Doubles Shark Patrols Amid Fatal Attack Fears
WA Doubles Shark Patrols Amid Fatal Attack Fears
6 Oct
Summary
- Western Australia nearly doubles shark mitigation spend to $12 million.
- Additional funds will boost helicopter and drone patrols at beaches.
- Fisheries Minister rejects calls for 'incidental' great white shark capture.
Western Australia is significantly increasing its investment in shark mitigation strategies, with funding almost doubling to $12 million for the current financial year. This enhanced budget will bolster aerial surveillance through increased helicopter and drone patrols at the state's beaches. These measures are being implemented in response to a fatal shark attack last month.
Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis confirmed that Surf Life Saving WA will receive $2.3 million for helicopter patrols and an additional $1.2 million for beach and drone surveillance. The government is also allocating funds for investigating new drone technologies and doubling shark tagging efforts. However, Jarvis dismissed suggestions from a former scientist to reintroduce the incidental capture of great white sharks to manage their population, citing environmental concerns and the species' protected status.
Despite recent fatal incidents, the minister stated there is no appetite for a shark cull, highlighting the ecological importance of apex predators. The CSIRO will provide updated shark population data, which will inform future discussions. Meanwhile, the installation of a shark barrier at Cottesloe beach has been delayed due to weather conditions, with its deployment now scheduled for next week.
