It's not surprising to realise that the industrialisation of humanity is the cause of all our shark problems. Think about it, sharks have lived for millions of years (or was it crocodiles... same thing ) but it is only up until the last decade that it has become a problem.

The reason for this? With the increase in human population, there is greater over fishing. Lack of food source means the sharks have to travel else where for food hence closer in shore. Add to that the fact that humans now are baiting sharks and even the tourism side of things, there is a change in their behavior where they link us with food. Look at your pets, do you really think a cat sticks around because of love or because of it's belly.

When out in the water, I will generally have a shorter session if the waters are murky, it is overcast or there is that stinky oily smell (like a certain beach up north of trigg). It's always best to trust your instincts. Majority of the times, it's right. But just like if you are caught in a rip, if you see a shark, stay calm and think clearly. No sudden movements, alert your mates and head in shore as best as you can. At the end of the day, we have to accept the ocean isn't our place. It is our privilage to be able to surf and use it. As such we have to be aware of the consequences.

I would say that the most common "safe practice" ideas include feeding times, prey and ocean or atmospheric conditions. The recent attack has got me perplexed, Mick offered a good description of conditions up there over the last week or so but I would have classed that spot as "low" risk due to the setup, couple of other spots around there are classic deep channel types that I've always considered ideal hunting zones. The other tips should be well known to most, river mouths , seal colonies, overcast conditions and not surfing alone. What is most concerning to me is that this shark was spotted and even named yet no warnings/signs or alerts were posted. Fisheries have got to get off their arses and provide clear information to all and create an "action plan" for us to follow. I know of a recent "encounter" down here that involved a white, the bloke was pulling a craypot and it followed it up. He went and informed those surfing close by as well as calling Fisheries, the response: two guys with binos having a look for twenty minutes, no sign, no media report I surfed that day and was told about it the next day, phoned the department and was mystified by the response, have continued to pester them and the local MP with little to no effect.

The white shark preys on foods that are high in fat content - tuna, seals and whale primarily. The fact that when surfing we look like a seal doesn't help much.

We also live along the migratory path for whales and hence a path for whites that follow this food source. I for one dont really see what can be done about this issue. I can't see culling being allowed due to the opposition to this from the conservationists.

Shark nets? Its worked in South Africa, but only to a degree. The nets dont cover the entire beach, just sections so its not full proof. Plus it kills other animals such as dolphins and seals.

How about more research being put into the shark deterents, such as the 'Shark Shield'? I for one wouldn't put my life in the hands of this device when a white is charging at me full speed. I havent seen any evidence that shows this device deters large sharks such as tigers, bulls or great whites. Perhaps if we had a full-proof device that was small and compact we wouldn't have to go so far as a cull.

My two cents.

Rob

+1 for a 100% proven shark shield device. Current offering is little more than a placebo solution.

why cant they come up with a lightweight deterent device that can be incorporated inside the base of the board . i would be up for installation trials at the point of manufacture.

Any movement, or smell is going to get the attention of a shark. They are constantly on the move searching for their next meal.
As bakesy said, the overfishing story in my opinion is complete bullsh!t. There is plenty of food in the ocean for these beasts. I and many people i know dive and fish in and around the metro area regualary and trust me there are no shortage of fish both of the demersal type and pelagic type. There are plenty of pinkies around at the moment and also during spawning season in the sound there are at least a few that will just stay in there for a feed. FFS last snapper season they were coming up to the sides of boats and taking hooked pinkies right infront of the fisherman. As for my mates down south the fishing down there is nothing less than awesome with plenty to be had, along with plenty of white sightings.
Same goes for excuse of their being more ocean users. Bullsh!t.
It's the time of year when the whales are migrating, the huge salmon schools are on the move from the south and the whites will be following these movements for a guaranteed easy feed. They are constantly prowling the coast close to shore. I'm sure you've seen on the news the whales spotted only a few hundred metres off cott and don't forget the 12 metre whale carcas washed up behind garden island (or carnac i forget). I can asure there will be plenty of grey suits lurking close behind.
There are also the resident whites that are known to haunt the areas inbetween rotto, scarborough and cott.
Lets not forget these creatures became a protected species with next to no scientific evidence to back it up. Now you tell me how a so called endagered species can have so many regular sightings not only in WA's waters but all around the entire world!?!?!
They are a oportunistic feeder and will take whatever they can get. As for them just being curious and having a so called feel with their mouth. Bullsh!t. A white will disable it's prey then wait and circle before coming into finish it off. Take the poor guy yesterday. Half in one go then came back and took the other half right infront of the poor guy on the ski. Same thing happened with the attack at the abrolis. 2 bites and it was over in full veiw of those on the boat. Ken Crew at safety bay was taken whole. As for the people who made it out or were carried out of the water after an attack it would have only been a matter of time before they would have been finished off. May you all rest in peace.
Cage diving is Farked IMO. Burleying, baiting and attracting whites to boats is just plain farked in the head. Get the sharks into feed mode then drop a couple of people into a cage right next to them while pulling big slabs of fish straight towards the people in blood filled water. Of course the shark is then going to associate not only boats but people with an easy feed. All well and good it's in the process of being banned here in WA but it's still a common practice in SA and south africa, and everyone knows these sharks travel great distances throughout the year.
Now and in the next 6 months is the time of year when unfortunately there seems to be an increase of whites close along the WA coastline, not that they aren't here all year round.
The usual things which have already been said to possibly decrease your chances of attack are to try to avoid entering the water at dawn or dusk or in overcast weather. But to be frank if your in the wrong place at the wrong time it will happen regardless of time or weather conditions.
People say lets spend more money on research... Well obviously the 14 million they have spent has really done fark all. Attacks are still continuing frequently with no sign of reprieve in sight.
MY OPINION (and i know there are people on her who disagree) is that any white shark sighted and followed along the metro coast should be eradicated.
I heard a bloke on the news last night say "if a pack of dingo's was to take up residence in the dunes and randomly attack or kill kids or people they would be dealt with." Crocs up north are the same. Lions or tigers that become man eaters are also destroyed. Dogs that attack people will be destroyed. I honestly just can't understand how a white shark is any diferent to these???
They are not an endagered species anymore. There is no Scientific evidence or proof! They are calculated killer with no known predator and they have absolutely no fear.
I'm not a scientist nor a marine bioligist, Just someone who has grown up and spent my whole life in and around the ocean. Everyone has their own opinions and beliefs. These are just mine...

bakesy said...

<snip> . What is most concerning to me is that this shark was spotted and even named yet no warnings/signs or alerts were posted. Fisheries have got to get off their arses and provide clear information to all and create an "action plan" for us to follow. I know of a recent "encounter" down here that involved a white, the bloke was pulling a craypot and it followed it up. He went and informed those surfing close by as well as calling Fisheries, the response: two guys with binos having a look for twenty minutes, no sign, no media report I surfed that day and was told about it the next day, phoned the department and was mystified by the response, have continued to pester them and the local MP with little to no effect.

Just cos the media says so, doesn't make it so.
There was a whitey spotted 150 - 200km north 2 -4 days earlier, and bronzies near Wedge, and it is the MEDIA who have made it sound like a white was roaming Wedge. All crap... but the media are just after sensationalism.

Slow down a bit on Fisheries mate.
If a crayfisherman reports a white offshore, what are Fisheries supposed to do? Considering sharks swim, I think having a look is on the cards that is agreed. But should it be 10 blokes for 3 hrs when we know it would have moved by then?
If one is seen near Two Rocks, should Fisheries have been out looking for it at Wedge 6hrs later? Where do you draw the line?
Considering there was heli's over Wedge very quickly and they did runs up and down the coast and it was not spotted (obviously went deep) what would you suggest Fisheries do??? The best equipment we have - and a lot of it - could not spot this one so I'd not criticise Fisheries

Mark _australia said...
and it is the MEDIA who have made it sound like a white was roaming Wedge. All crap... but the media are just after sensationalism.

Agreed mate, theres nothing that sells more papers than FEAR, and in a coastal city like Perth nothing sells better than Sharks.

We had a fatality on saturday, and were it not for some good fortune, those two spear fisherman in Gero and that chap on his ski in Mullaloo could have suffered the same fate.

All the same, 5 lives have been lost in 10 months, with dozens of other near misses. Its time to end the 'its their domain' crap and do something about these large sharks, or do we just sit back and wait until the next fatility, and the next one.

I AM a scientist mate. I read journal articles and consider the arguements each side holds. Do people really think overfishing, over pollution from cars and factories etc, digging up everything from the ground just to fuel heating your winter chills is not going to have an effect on the planet? Add in deforrestation, land clearing for farming and I wouldn't be surprised why scientists paint a bleak future. Why can't people look beyond the next few years and address problems for long term benefit!?

**SP why'd you delete you comment? Always good to have an in depth discussion regardless of peoples viewpoints.

this amount of sightings/attacks/deaths has gone far beyond the normal or average amount. I never used to agree with culling but at this rate something needs to be done.

I don't believe for a second that culling a few large sharks that are known to hang around metro beaches for months at a time is going to have a serious negative affect on the ecosystem *



* note I have absolutely no claim to knowledge of the ecosystem under water. so If you'd like to provide me with some detailed facts about how this would adversely affect our friends of the sea I'd be more than happy to read it. Im not talking about wiping out an entire species here.. just some naughty trouble makers


EDIT: thanks SP I now feel terrible for posting about the topic so close to a recent event.

newguy said...

I AM a scientist mate. I read journal articles and consider the arguements each side holds. Do people really think overfishing, over pollution from cars and factories etc, digging up everything from the ground just to fuel heating your winter chills is not going to have an effect on the planet? Add in deforrestation, land clearing for farming and I wouldn't be surprised why scientists paint a bleak future. Why can't people look beyond the next few years and address problems for long term benefit!?

I can kind of understand where your coming from here but your drifting wayyyyy off the mark. The subject is sharks. Not over pollution from cars and factories, mining, deforestation etc etc. Yes these all have adverse effects on the planet but in no way are these effecting the amount of encounters with whites in West Australian waters. Please explain to me how they are if i am wrong.
YOUR belief in overfishing may be plausable to some. Not me.
BTW what are your scientific qualifications...???

Actually there is no constitutional right to free speech. Just saying...

I don't know enough about overfishing, but surely if there wasn't enough food in the water, there would be less sharks not more! The fact they are a protected species is largely responsible for their massive population increase. You look at the NT and the banning of culling crocodiles in the early 90s - I lived there and used to wakeboard & windsurf in Darwin harbour, in 10 years they pulled maybe 2 or 3 crocs out of the harbour, last year they caught almost 400 in traps placed in the harbour. Gives you an idea of what protecting a species can do to its population.

I'm not going to argue with the key theme of your last post bakesy, even if we disagree on the stances we both take on the topic.

Fisheries have been doing it wrong for a long time.

But to everyone going on about how there has been an explosion in the Great White population...the science is right. It is simply NOT possible. The biology of these fish dictates the rate at which they can reproduce. I absolutely agree with the eye witness accounts of surfers, fisherman (both commercial and rec) and other water users that there are more Great Whites around, but that does not correlate to a massive increase in their numbers. In my mind it very strongly hints at a distinct change in their foraging behavior, migration patterns etc. There are more hanging around closer to our shores than before. Ofcourse, this is splitting hairs when it comes to how it affects us water users. The result is the same, an increase in human and shark interaction.

I do believe they are recovering, I do believe there are more hanging around closer to the coast. I do believe there are a vast array of factors causing this. I also believe we still are not even close to figuring out how to deal with it. But, given the high likely hood that it is because of our influence on the oceans, I truly believe it is our responsibility to be rational and use research to try and figure out a solution that not only helps keep us safe, but continues to protect a species of fish who's keystone importance in the ecosystem is far too widely underrated and misunderstood. Going out and culling all the big sharks along the coast may make some of the population feel better about going in the water, but it's a false feeling of security and in the long run does not help us at all. These fish are still at threat, globally. They still need protection and they really need to be more thoroughly researched. I've read every single paper available on Great Whites and our understanding is mediocre at best. In my opinion, the problem isn't going to go away, even with a cull. This isn't an algal bloom in the Swan River than can be treated with chemicals. It's a mass change in the behavior of one of evolution's greatest achievements and sadly for us and them it is resulting in tragic events like what we witnessed on Saturday.

All these calls to cull cull cull as though it will fix the problem is just misguided in my mind.

And why do scientists and studies and stats have any credibility? You look at the contrasting opinions on global warming from highly qualified and reputable scientists! And so why should a scientist, an expert in marine biology, command respect and credibility? Just because he calls himself a scientist? What is relevant, is his agenda. Not his qualifications. It's pretty rare you get a study or scientists opinion that is without subjectivity and bias. In regards to the great white population, I would give more credence to a surfer, or fisherman or diver than some fat bloke in a lab coat with a calculator.