14 DAY TRIAL // Western Australia is now in the middle of a weeks-long shark cull. At the time when this initiative was implemented, it was argued that, by catching and killing sharks swimming too close to the shoreline, local waters would become safer and people would feel more at ease when going to the beach.
However, a recent survey whose findings were shared with the public by the Sea Life Conservation Fund shows that the majority of people in Australia do not approve of the shark cull, and believe that these predators should just be left alone.
The Guardian informs that a total of 583 people visiting Sea Life Sydney Aquarium were questioned about the shark cull as part of this survey. Of these people, 87% stated that, despite the fact that some might perceive these animals as a threat, Western Australia should not go around killing sharks.
Besides, 77% claimed to be either “not in the least frightened” or “slightly frightened” by these predators, and 69% made a case of how educating people was the best way to prevent and limit shark attacks.
Commenting on the findings of this survey, shark expert Christopher Neff said, “The [government] assumption is that the public is afraid – that when shark bites happen they react emotionally and [look] for an immediate response. My data, and what the public has said, refutes that.”
Since the beginning of the cull, a total of 45 sharks have been killed in Western Australian waters. To make matters even worse, word has it that the state is thinking about extending this initiative until 2017.