Australia: First Shark Killed As Cull Begins

[Jazzy]

A large shark has been shot dead off Australia's western coast - the first under a controversial culling policy brought in to cut the number of attacks on surfers and swimmers.

The three-metre (10ft) animal, believed to be a female tiger shark, one of three species on the government's kill list, was caught on bait lines off Meelup Beach near Dunsborough, south of Perth.

Government spokesman Simon Beaumont said a fisherman contracted to patrol the lines killed the shark and dumped its carcass at sea.

According to The West Australian newspaper, the creature was shot in the head four times at close range.

The cull, which allows baited drum lines with hooks to be set 1km (0.62 miles) off popular beaches until the end of April, was approved by Australia's national government last week.

Local marine experts have declared the area the deadliest in the world for shark attacks following six fatal maulings in the past two years.

However, the government's response has been criticised by environmentalists who claim there is no evidence it will reduce attacks.

Full article with video

What are your thoughts about these sharks being killed?

 

[Nebulous's iconNebulous]

You know how to reduce shark attacks? Don't swim or be in water where sharks are.

 

[Evil Eye]

Don't swim or be in water where sharks are.

That works... but I don't you'd convince people that easily

 

[identityissues8]

I'm sorry. This is completely disgusting.

 

[Sinon]

Yes, how dare those sharks protect their home and sole source of food. How very dare they.