Western Australia’s fisheries minister says there is “no evidence” that more sharks are present in WA waters following a second fatal shark incident in three weeks. The latest death occurs after a spearfisherman is killed off Albany over the weekend, prompting renewed public and political debate over whether shark culling or other management measures should be expanded.
In response to calls from the Nationals, the fisheries minister accuses the party of politicising the fisherman’s death, arguing that available information does not support the claim that shark numbers or activity in WA waters have increased.
Multiple outlets report that the issue has returned to the spotlight as communities consider what steps could improve ocean safety and how authorities should interpret patterns in shark-related deaths. The reporting also indicates that the dispute centres on the evidence base for any proposed changes to shark management, rather than on the fact that fatal attacks are occurring.
