Fisher backs drum lines

A Capes commercial fisherman has thrown his support behind the State Government’s measures to prevent shark attacks.

Two “marine monitored zones” will be set up in Perth and the South West next month, after the sixth fatal shark attack in the State in two years.

The zones will include baited drum lines set 1km from shore and private fishers contracted to catch and kill sharks bigger than 3m.

Legend Charters owner and commercial fisherman of 25 years Dean Jensen said he would consider putting his hand up for the South West zone, which runs from Forrest Beach near Capel to Prevelly.

Mr Jensen said he had noticed an increase in marine mammals near the coast during his career, which could be attracting more sharks.

He said about 20,000 humpback whales passed through the region when he started, compared with up to 35,000 now.

“(The measures) are not going to hurt,” he said.

“There’s obviously something going on in this area and around the South West. I think the sharks are coming back to the beach because there’s so many animals near there.”

Mr Jensen said his father was one of about five white shark fishermen who operated in the area before the species became protected, and that change could also be contributing to the increased attacks.

City of Busselton Mayor Ian Stubbs did not believe the City would have a big role in the implementation of the measures.

He thought most Capes residents would welcome the measures.

“The State Government has been concentrating on research, which I acknowledge is important, but most want to see something positive and I think this is a good outcome without going to an allout cull,” he said.

But the new measures have not been welcomed from all corners.

The Greens yesterday presented a petition to the Australian Senate with more than 16,000 signatures opposing what they described as a “cull of great white sharks”.

Dunsborough group Gypsea Warriors founder Rae Marie Threnoworth said the Government’s decision was the “worst thing they could have done.”

She said drum lines put other marine life at risk and, since white sharks did not mature until 4m, the lines would target shark pups.

Mr Jensen said the drum lines may attract other shark species but denied other marine life would be at risk.