Australian EPA Says No to Shark Cull

By The Maritime Executive 09-11-2014 06:05:00

The Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) has welcomed the recommendation by the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) of Western Australia to scrap the state’s shark cull program.

AMCS Marine Campaigner Tooni Mahto said it was a victory for sharks, common sense and people power.

"The WA shark cull was a flawed policy with a heavy environmental cost but no measurable public safety outcomes," she said.

Following a spate of fatal shark attacks, the WA government introduced a 13-week trial this year where baited drum lines were set off Perth beaches. The trial cost $1.3 million and 68 sharks were caught and shot.

“AMCS and the thousands of Australians who spoke out against the shark cull are extremely relieved to hear today that the EPA has recommended WA’s sharks remain free from the threat of drumlines. In light of the EPA’s recommendations, we now call on the Federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt to shut down the shark cull once and for all," says Mahto.

“AMCS are pleased the WA EPA have acknowledged the significant threat the drumline program posed to threatened species, in particular the great white shark.

"The WA Government needs to continue to invest in alternatives including early detection systems, enhanced surveillance, non-lethal barrier options and public education.

"Many of these methods improve our knowledge of sharks, and since so many shark species are under threat, findings aid in conservation efforts as well.

"We are relieved the decision by the EPA will allow sharks to remain naturally in their environment without the additional threat of being caught on a hook.

“We call on the WA Environment Minister and the Federal Environment Minister to follow the EPA recommendations, listen to the public and independent scientists and agree to not continue with the cull," she concluded.