Sea Shepherd releases it’s Shark Cull documentary Australia-wide

As Western Australia awaits to hear whether its controversial drum line policy will get the nod to go ahead for three more years, Sea Shepherd Australia has released it’s newest documentary The Shark Cull to the public, holding screenings around Australia to expose the brutal cruelty of the program.

The documentary filmed and directed by videographer Tim Watters, features never-before-seen footage of the shark cull from the eyes of Sea Shepherd’s boat crew, the inventor of a popular shark mitigation strategy in Perth and a mother of a fatal shark bite victim.

The Shark Cull captures the community outcry within the state, and searches for what appears to be the elusive answer to why the Western Australian Government continues to press on with this policy, despite being scientifically and publicly condemned and alternative solutions being available.

Jeff Hansen, Managing Director for Sea Shepherd Australia states that the documentary will have an impact on anyone who views it, bringing transparency to an extremely unpopular public policy that brought world-wide shame to Western Australia.
“In 2014, as the world moves to the global conservation of sharks, its time that WA stepped out of the dark ages and got with the times,” Jeff stated.
“The Shark Cull documentary highlights just how out of touch the Western Australian Government is with public opinion and science; scientifically and through previous trials such as in Hawaii, using drum lines to capture and kill sharks is a proven failed method for public safety.”
Craig Moss, Inventor of the successfully trailed and locally-built Eco Shark Barrier is interviewed in the documentary, and the scientifically backed Shark Spotters program in Cape Town is also highlighted, as potential alternatives to drum lines.
Viewers of the documentary are left pondering why, when successful trialled alternatives are available to bring ocean users peace of mind, that the Western Australian Government continued with its highly controversial drum line policy.
“Today, we don’t have to choose between protecting people or sharks, as there are alternatives available now that can protect people, without killing marine life; we can do both” Jeff states.
“Given the state of the world’s oceans, what WA has off their coast is rare and unique, is of global significance and importance, and we must protect it; our children need healthy oceans and healthy oceans need sharks.”
Screenings of the Shark Cull documentary are taking place in Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, Gold Coast and Perth. Tickets, a trailer to the documentary and further information can be found on www.seashepherd.org.au/sharkculldoco

About Sea Shepherd Australia

Sea Shepherd Australia is a non-profit conservation organisation whose mission is to end the destruction of habitat and slaughter of wildlife in the world’s oceans in order to conserve and protect ecosystems and species. Sea Shepherd Australia uses innovative direct-action tactics to investigate, document, and take action when necessary to expose and confront illegal activities on the high seas. By safeguarding the biodiversity of our delicately balanced oceanic ecosystems, Sea Shepherd Australia works to ensure their survival for future generations. Visit www.seashepherd.org.au for more information.

Natalie Banks, Sea Shepherd Australia