Fewer sharks in Capes cull

Department of Fisheries data has shown fewer sharks are being caught and destroyed off the Capes coast despite more drum lines being deployed.

Fisheries yesterday released catch data for drum lines in the South West and metropolitan area up until Sunday.

The figures reveal seven sharks were destroyed in the South West during the second month of drum lines, out of a total of 14 caught.

In contrast, 23 sharks were caught and 12 destroyed in the South West between January 26 and February 11.

The downturn comes despite the Augusta fisherman contracted to catch and kill big sharks off the Capes doubling his number of drum lines between Yallingup and Gracetown.

The deep sea crab and crayfish fisherman, who spoke to the Times on the condition he was not identified, said he had deployed 30 drum lines to “provide increased coverage”

“There’s nothing in Geographe Bay at the moment. All the focus is down here (on the west coast), ” he said.

“They (the State Government) may change strategy for school holidays, but I can’t tell you much more beyond that.”

South West data shows six sharks under 3m were released alive between February 20 and March 16 and one was already dead.

All were tiger sharks except for one undetermined species caught at Injidup Point on March 5 and released alive.

The fisherman said this could change with the arrival of salmon in the area.

“The salmon come from South Australia and South Australia is well known for great white sharks, ” he said.

“There could be some that tag along after the salmon. I’ve been surprised by the lack of great white activity so far.”

He said he had maintained good relations with an activist vessel which had been following him.

“They have been courteous and kept clear of our equipment, ” he said.

“We don’t mind their presence, as long as they don’t get in the way or throw anything at us.”

Sea Shepherd director Jeff Hansen confirmed the vessel was from the No Shark Cull Alliance and Sea Shepherd was a member.

He said a rotating crew of between three and eight people were monitoring drum lines to “provide transparency to the public”.

A Department of Premier and Cabinet spokesman said discussions with the Federal Department of the Environment and the Environmental Protection Authority to continue drum lining next summer were “progressing well”.

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