OPINIONS have been voiced throughout the city after a raft of inclusions to state policy deemed sharks would be destroyed if in close proximity to beachgoers this summer.
Minister for Fisheries Norman Moore unveiled the plans late last month which pledged $6.85m over four years for shark mitigation, education and research.
Dolphin Discovery Centre general manager David Kerr said the decision was a “difficult one” but believed the killing of a shark should be a last resort.
“Ultimately the protection of human life is the number one priority,” he said.
“If the shark is a genuine threat to people, I would tend to support the change, but there is a lot you can do before it gets to that point.
“The potential to draw the animal away before it is culled would be a preferred option.
“The bottom line is that there are not many of these animals left.”
Mr Kerr said another summer season of shark scares could be to the detriment of local tourism.
“It can’t have a positive impact and we will have to wait and see over summer,” he said.
“Locals are more likely to be focused on it but there is certainly a lot more concern.”
Other inclusions from the state government include funding for a study into shark enclosures, tagging programs and the creation of a smartphone awareness app.
“These new measures will not only help us to understand the behaviour of sharks but also offer beachgoers greater protection and confidence as we head into summer,” Premier Colin Barnett said.
The announcement saw an outpouring from readers on the Bunbury Mail Facebook page with nearly 50 comments debating the issue.
Daily aerial patrols of local beaches will begin from November 19 to February 3.