Sydney Dolphin Death Casts More Doubts on Shark Culling Plans

A dolphin was killed in a northern Sydney beach because of shark netting. The dolphin's death was proof that shark culling should not be allowed in Australia's beaches, according to an animal protection organisation.

A representative for NSW Parks and Wildlife Service claimed that surf lifesavers found a dead dolphin in shark nets off Newport Beach. Officials are still investigating how the dolphin died.

Fisheries officials have removed the animal and sent it to Taronga Zoo for further examination. The unnamed spokesman said dolphin deaths in nets were "not common at all."

According to Humane Society International, a young whale calf had drowned and died while entangled in a shark net off Mona Vale beach in 2012. The organisation's senior program manager Alexia Wellbelove remarked shark control programs do not benefit humans but will only continue to harm marine life. She urged the government to stop killing whales and dolphins under those programs.

Despite the protest of thousands of Australians at Cottlesloe Beach, the Western Australia government will still go with its plan to cull sharks. More than 4,000 people showed up on Perth's beach on Jan 4 in protest of the government's plan to kill large sharks using baited lines.

The government announced its shark culling plan after shark attacks off the Western Australian coast claimed the lives of 7 people. The fatal attacks all occurred in a span of three years. Acting Premier Kim Hames believes the government is doing the right thing and has no plans of backing down on the issue.

Ms Hines said seven people have died from shark attacks in the last three years compared to 20 people in 20 years. The government has previously remarked it will only kill sharks over three metres long.

Meanwhile, South Australia maintains its stand not to implement shark baiting in its waters. Acting Environment Minister Leon Bignell said shark culling will only lead to the destruction of other marine life. Mr Bignell described shark-baiting as something that "doesn't make sense."