Fifty sharks killed in Western Australia’s trial of cull policy

More than 170 sharks were caught due to a controversial cull policy in Western Australia state following a spate of fatal attacks, figures showed yesterday, with 50 of the biggest ones destroyed and the rest freed.

The policy, in place around popular west coast beaches, was given the green light in January after six fatal attacks in the past two years, angering conservationists who claim it flies in the face of international obligations to protect the great white shark.

Baited lines with hooks were set one kilometre offshore at the busiest beaches for a trial period from January 25 until April 30.

Any shark longer than three metres snagged by the lines and deemed to be a threat - including great white, bull and tiger sharks - could be killed.

The data released yesterday showed that 172 sharks were caught, with 50 of the biggest ones, including one of 4.5 metres, destroyed. Ninety were tagged before being released.

State Fisheries Minister Ken Baston called the policy a success, saying it had restored confidence among beachgoers and contributed to knowledge about shark behaviour.