Western Australia's Shark Cull Junked For Questionable Impact To Shark Population

The Environmental Protection Authority has rejected Western Australia's application to extend its controversial shark cull. The state will no longer be allowed to set up baited drum lines off the coast of popular beaches.

According to reports, the EPA cited the program's "high degree of scientific uncertainty" as the reason for its recent decision. The environmental agency also questioned the impact of the shark cull on the population of great white sharks.

The Western Australian government's request for extension followed a three-month trial of the shark cull earlier in the year. The state set up 70 hooks about 1 kilometre from the shoreline of Perth's popular beaches. The government proposed to catch sharks using baited drumlines and kill them every summer in the next three years.

The state government's assessment revealed that about 25 great white sharks will be caught on the drum lines. The great white shark is a protected shark species under the regulations of the state and Commonwealth.

However, EPA Chairman Paul Vogel mentioned the results of CSIRO's review and said there was "too much" uncertainty surrounding the population of sharks. He said the EPA has chosen to adopt a "cautious approach" and reject Western Australia's proposal.

The proposal remains open to public appeal for two weeks before the EPA will reveal its final decision on the matter in October. The shark culling will also have to be approved by Australia's Environment Minister Greg Hunt.

Western Australia Premier Colin Barnett expressed his disappointment at EPA's decision. On the possibility of an appeal, he said it was "very unlikely." He recognised the fact that should he continue to push for an appeal, Western Australia will clearly be challenged in court.

Barnett declared Perth beaches are generally safe because of air patrols, but he could not give assurances for the beaches in the south-west. He said he could not tell the people their beaches are safe since he doesn't believe it himself.

The environment minister said he will only approve the shark cull if the programme will be subjected to a full assessment. Western Australia's last shark cull had killed 172 sharks but no great white shark, the shark species blamed for human attacks in water, was captured. The shark cull was introduced in Western Australia after seven people had died from shark attacks in three years in the state's beaches.