Surfpolitik Barry Bruce on the recent shark deaths

In: Surfpolitik by Stu Nettle 62 Comments Mon 24th Oct '11

Tags: barry bruce , csiro , sharks

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On Saturday a diver was killed by a shark off Rottnest Island in Western Australia. The fatality was the third in Western Australia in two months – the first being at Bunker Bay, Dunsborough, in early September, and the second at Cottesloe Beach, Perth, on the 10th of October.

In terms of proximity and timing the deaths are unprecedented in Australia. The closest would be the two deaths in South Australia that occurred two days and 200 kilometres apart just prior to the Sydney Olympic in September 2000.

The attacks have prompted a new wave of collective fear in WA which, in turn, is triggering a media response. What is causing the attacks? Is it abnormal? Do we need to cull sharks? These are some of the questions that being asked. And rightfully so.

In this ABC video, filmed after the second attack at Cottesloe Beach, CSIRO shark expert, Barry Bruce, says that despite the apparent increase in shark deaths the odds of being killed are still incredibly remote. It's seven minutes long but well worth watching as he unemotionally lays many of the common myths to rest.

"Every attack seems to prompt an immediate call for a shark cull...would that bring any benefit at all?

"We know that white sharks are visitors to the waters of Perth, they come from all the southern Australian waters moving through the Perth area. It would seem highly unlikely that culling at one particular point would reduce the numbers visiting that site." 

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