News

Western Australia’s policy of using drum lines to ward off great white sharks in case of a “serious threat” has drummed up its fair share of controversy, with some conservationists claiming it kills more sharks than an actual shark cull.

After coming under pressure, the government passed the decision onto the Australian EPA in January. Despite being protected under Australian law, great white sharks continue to be killed by this controversial method, conservationists say.

Instead of reviewing the effectiveness and potential damage caused by the use drum lines, the EPA believes such methods are unlikely to significantly affect the environment.

“The EPA also noted that deployment of capture gear in accordance with the policy has been undertaken for a limited duration; and further, its implementation is responsive and temporary in nature,” according to EPA chairman Paul Vogel.

For more information on the decision, please refer to the original article published in The Guardian.