OPINION: I have been silent on the shark baiting debate so far because as an educated man I can see all sides of the argument, if you’re going to kill an animal, use it.
Why aren't we using the caught sharks for research and science or at least food?
I'm sitting here in Perth in a flash hotel waiting for tonight's fireworks.
I'm watching my kids swim in the luxurious pool and flicking through news feeds feeling Aussie and then I just witnessed the first photo of a beautiful large tiger shark being hauled up the side of a boat to be shot and dumped.
My business solely runs on the willingness of humans to swim in and under the sea and lately business has been bad.
But you know what, I do not want my money and way of life to be justified or subsidised on an ocean of blood.
Why should innocent, amazing, necessary living beings be slaughtered so our Aussie way of life can prosper.
I have to say I would give up this hotel, pool and all the fireworks in the world to bring back the one shark in that picture.
To the majestic female tiger shark that let me swim with her in Fiji – I'm sorry on behalf of the human race.
To the WA government listen to your people.
Feeling very ashamed to be an Aussie on Australia Day.
Torry Goodall, Coastal Water Dive owner.
