In W.A they have put in place a new culling shark program releasing drumlines across the coast. Sharks are the top predators of the marine food pyramid. They play a vital role in the oceans ecosystems as they regulate the natural balance of the ecosystems. The removal of these species which are on the endangered list would alter the ecological dynamics and thus be economically devastating. An example of the ecological domino effect would be fewer sharks would increase the octopus population which would decrease the lobster population. Decimated shark population would also decrease shellfish populations and since shellfish actually filter water the quality of the water would also decrease and the dominos list goes on. It takes 20 YEARS for a shark to reach sexual maturity and produce young ones. To me it's simply messing with the food chain. To put another funamental point across when we go diving, swimming or snorkelling we are going into their territory we are choosing to swim in their environment. So why must we set out to distinct an animal for being in their own territory. Every year more people die of car accidents and bee stings than shark attacks. Does this mean we should stop driving cars on the road and cull bees?
Maybe we need to be more aware of where and when we go swimming to reduce our risks of encounter and be more responsible? Some Anglers might think it's not a big deal but heres a thought to ponder on....If they continue the culling of sharks program into 2015. How much is this going to effect future fishing and the future generation....dissapointed Angler???
Another issue that has popped up is the approval for coal companies to dump 3 million cubic metres of sludge into the Great barrier reef . A world heritage site which could well be on the 'dangered list' this year.
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