Sharks: Putting the issue in perspective.......

 By Ross B. Taylor AM

The shocking loss of a teenage girl whilst surfing near Esperance reinforces my view that we DO NOT HAVE A GENERAL SHARK PROBLEM IN THE PERTH METRO AREA DURING SUMMER.

In the past 15 years along the entire Perth coastline we have seen only ONE fatal shark attack during summer (December to March inclusive) when 98% of our beach-going population swims.

What we do have however, is a real problem with Great White sharks in autumn and spring as the whales migrate.

I say this because once again hysteria will encourage our government to start going after Tiger and Grey Nurse sharks in summer, for absolutely no reason or benefit to our community.

Great Whites specifically are the problem, and even then only outside the summer swimming season. Be focused when discussing this issue. Please.

So what can be done?

Option 1: Cull the number of Great Whites. There are too many of them.

Option 2: Do nothing other than warn surfers that they face a greater (albeit very small) risk when surfing in autumn and spring.

What we need now is a minister who can tell it as it is and not lose focus of the above facts in order to win-over public opinion or fear. But don't hold your breath.

Ross Taylor is a former Club vice president at Trigg Beach in Perth and also Chairman of the Trigg Islan SLSC Beach Committee.