Fatal Shark Attacks Reignite WA Culling Row

Western Australia is grappling with the aftermath of two fatal shark attacks on spearfishermen, occurring just three weeks apart. The most recent incident involved a 35-year-old man attacked off Michaelmas Island on June 8, 2026. This follows the death of a 38-year-old man near Rottnest Island approximately three weeks prior.

These tragedies have prompted renewed calls from WA Nationals for a thorough review of the state's shark mitigation strategies. They question the government's current approach and seek clarity on whether existing measures are effective, especially given the recent fatalities.

Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis has criticized the politicization of these events, asserting that WA's shark mitigation strategy is among the world's best. She noted that there is currently no data to suggest an increase in shark interactions compared to previous years, with approximately 10 reported incidents so far in 2026, compared to 19 in 2025. The Minister also emphasized the lack of evidence supporting the efficacy of shark culling in reducing risks for the public.

Past controversial measures, such as a catch-and-kill policy implemented by the former Barnett Liberal government, were abandoned in 2014 due to public opposition and a lack of scientific backing. A rebate scheme for personal shark deterrent devices also collapsed in 2024 when the sole approved provider ceased operations, leaving no suitable alternative approved two years later.

Shark researcher Dr. Daryl McPhee from Bond University noted a rise in fatal shark attacks across Australia, with the average number more than doubling between 2020 and 2025 compared to the previous two decades. So far in 2026, four fatalities have occurred, with three of those being spearfishermen.

Albany Mayor Greg Stocks expressed deep sympathy for the victim's family and community, recalling a similar fatal attack in 2014 that deeply affected the region. He urged compassion amid the ongoing discussions about shark mitigation, acknowledging the devastating impact such events have. While approximately 221 white sharks are tagged off WA's coast, officials state there is no evidence of increasing shark numbers, attributing increased sightings to seasonal events like whale migrations or salmon runs.