NSW Rules Out Shark Cull After 34-Year-Old Woman's Attack as Experts Push Drones Instead
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jun 18
NSW Rules Out Shark Cull After 34-Year-Old Woman's Attack as Experts Push Drones Instead
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jun 18
Summary
Leah Stewart, 34, remained in critical condition after multiple surgeries following Saturday’s suspected great white attack at Coogee, with her family calling her injuries severe and life-threatening.
Chris Minns ruled out any shark cull after Tony Abbott demanded one, saying great whites are protected and officials have no evidence killing sharks would make Sydney beaches safer.
Rob Harcourt and other marine scientists said a cull would not reduce risk because great whites are migratory, while baiting to catch them could even increase shark activity.
Drones emerged as the preferred response: aviation authorities temporarily lifted Coogee flight restrictions, and Surf Lifesaving NSW will run aerial surveillance across several beaches for the rest of the week.
Researchers said shark bites on patrolled NSW beaches remain extremely rare, though the state’s annual injury-causing bite rate has risen to 4.16 from 0.6 in 1980-1999.