Shark Spotters Tour First Stop WA

After months of planning and fundraising thanks to our many supporters and generous donations from various organisations such as SEA LIFE Conservation Trust, APOLA (Australian Professional Ocean Lifeguard Association) The Greens Party and Dive Adventures this amazing journey has begun. No Shark Cull and Sea Shepherd Operation Apex Harmony warmly welcome Sarah Waries Project Manager and Monswabisi Sikweyiya Field Manager all the way from Shark Spotters HQ in Cape Town.

It’s been a hectic tour schedule in just 5 days – Sarah and Monwa have conducted site assessments of 25 beaches in Perth and the South West of WA. Results so far are there are five potential sites with three excellent options, which meet the Shark Spotters suitability criteria for a trial of the program.

The delegates also made time to check out other non-lethal methods currently in use in WA including the Eco-Shark Barrier at Coogee beach and the shark exclusion barrier at Busselton and Dunsborough.

Meetings were held with Surfing WA, Surf Life Saving WA, The Augusta / Margaret River Shire, Busselton Council, Senator Wang from the Palmer United Party and Senator Siewert from the Greens.

Two free community forums were held in Gracetown in South West WA and Perth to answer questions and give information to members of the public about the Shark Spotters program, the results of site assessments and to educate the public about steps they can take to reduce the risk of shark bite.

We are pleased to say there has been constant media coverage of the tour so far. Now the team heads off to QLD, Northern NSW and Sydney to conduct further site assessments and meet with politicians, fisheries staff, beach safety groups, scientists, stakeholders and hold two more free community forums before heading back to Perth for final meetings with the WA Premiers department.

Upcoming free community forums:

Ballina
Thursday 17th March 6.30pm – Dunes on Shelly Beach, Ballina Northern NSW
See more

Sydney
Friday 18th March 6.30pm – Sydney Mechanics School of Arts, Pitt St Sydney NSW
https://www.facebook.com/events/919772748119490/
Sharnie Connell Chairperson No Shark Cull