On the 27th of September a joint media statement (here) from the Western Australian Premier, Colin Barnett and Minister for Fisheries, Norman Moore announced its grand plan for Shark Mitigation to Protect Beachgoers.

This is a long awaited strategy with many WA beachgoers frightened to even look at the ocean just in case a large ocean going beast with a mouth full of razor sharp teeth launches itself out of the water tearing its poor defenceless victim to shreds. The people of Perth have been demanding action and today it was announced.

A further $6.85m will be spent over four years for shark mitigation, education and research. This funding is on top of the already $13.65m announced last year. Measures this time around will include

$2m for a new ‘service’ to allow the Department of Fisheries to track, catch and if necessary destroy sharks identified in close proximity to beachgoers, including setting drum lines if a danger is posed.

$200,000 for a feasibility study and a trial of a shark enclosure in conjunction with local government.

$2m to continue shark tagging programs, including real time GPS tracking systems.

$2m over four years for an applied research fund overseen by the Chief Scientist.

$500,000 for Surf Lifesaving Australia to purchase jet skis to bolster beach safety.

$150,000 for additional community awareness programs, including a smartphone app.

Now elements of this package are a positive step forward especially when it comes to research and education but based on these details and I do admit they are a bit light the point is being missed in a big way.

Firstly let’s have a look at the new ‘service’ that will is be set up, sort of like CSI for sharks are they? Will we be seeing uniform clad Special Shark Investigators roaming the beaches and spring to action on every sighting? What I read into Minister Moore’s quote the whole ‘if necessary’ seems like a done deal already.

“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,” Mr Moore said.(does that mean if an albino whale shark is seen that will be killed to?)

OK but what is an imminent threat? Bruce the Shark is swimming along minding his own business possibly following a school of salmon or some seals when BAM. He is surrounded by armed to the teeth members of the SSI ordering him to stop or he will be killed. How will these animals be killed? Let’s not kid ourselves here these sharks will not be caught and released they will be killed. Not for doing anything but what they were put on this planet to do and that was cruise the oceans, look great and when hungry have a feed.

Once again here is an example of a government that ignores all science or even logic in a very poor attempt to gain public confidence and votes.

“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,” the Premier said.

Summer is one month away and these measures are in place now (I am assuming they do not need State legislative change or debate … not that we get that anyway). There is no way unless all you are watching is Shark Week or Jaws 1 and 2 (sorry the rest where total bogus and it was not even a real shark) can the research be even planned let alone concluded as to what is the best approach. How quick is this feasibility study meant to take into shark proof enclosures?

From a media statement (here) on the 3rd of September 2012 Minister Moore asked for public comment on research from a report entitled The likely effectiveness of netting or other capture programs as a shark hazard mitigation strategy in Western Australia, by Associate Professor Daryl McPhee (this report can be viewed from the link). The public are open to comment on the report until the 31st of October 2012. Now I have not been that good at maths or dates but what is the point in plunging money into something when, the public has not had comment and the study has not been debated.

Having read through this report myself I do find some areas of concern.

Shark Control Measures especially nets and drum lines may well catch sharks. But can they guarantee catching Bruce the Shark before he strikes in his murderous rampage against mankind? Or will they catch Terry the Turtle who is also swimming along happily, how about Sammy the Seal or Flipper the (annoying begging rapist) Dolphin? So here we have a report that mentions these are ok to stop sharks but they do involve by catch as well. The fishing and ENGO world jumped up in unison against the Super Trawler of Death but when it comes to sharks not a peep. Governments even changed legislation and now we are setting Super Duper Nets (and Drum Lines) of Death ourselves. And now the State Government is funding drum lines based on no comment and adverse research findings.

The WA Government needs to get Federal approval for Shark Control Measures under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act 1999). This in itself would cost approx. $800,000 – $1m to get approval and a two year license. Now from what I see we are going to spend $200,000 on the feasibility and trial. Where is the money coming from for the rest and that only covers 2 years.

So if they build an enclosure what is that? Well nothing more than a great big concrete wall blocking off the ocean and allowing a pool. Not bad it will keep Bruce away but what about the other parts of the environment, what about erosion effects? Shark enclosures are also only suitable for bathers, so if you dive, kite surf or surf forget it you still are not protected (until we kill them all).

Part of this new funding is going towards community awareness, but it is not enough. $150,000 is one letter box drop. For an effective education campaign we need to get into the schools and community groups. It needs to be based on science and how we can coexist with Bruce the Shark. I am not sure how we can coexist when at the same time the SSI is chasing and killing every shark that even looks towards the beach. Then there is the smartphone app, this will come in handy when I am diving and it goes beep at 30m letting me know Bruce has just checked into my reef or someone is surfing and gets a poke. I guess I can tag him into my picture.

But really what we have here is some money that is being thrown at research and tagging which will really only be used by the SSI to actually get a shark in the first place so they can parade that up and down Elizabeth Quay. The smoke and mirrors within this statement are a joke. There is $2.2m sitting here than can be pulled off reckless vote grabbing proposals and put into education and research. Yes we need the patrols and Surf Life Saving needs every extra cent they can get. Have some early warning and close beaches if need be. Whilst you are at it maybe educate the media on sensible and realistic reporting because they will be salivating when Bruce is killed.