SW virtually unprotected by alerts
WA's South West is virtually unprotected by the State's shark alert system which warns beachgoers and ocean-users if a tagged shark is approaching the coastline.
Despite Margaret River and the South West's world-class reputation as a surfing, beach and tourism destination, there are only two satellite-linked acoustic receivers in the area.
There are 18 such receivers along the Perth coast, from Ocean Reef in the north to Warnbro Sound in the south, including two near Rottnest.
The Department of Fisheries revealed yesterday it was not possible to place one of the receivers at Gracetown, where surfer Chris Boyd was killed on Saturday, because the currents were too strong.
People in the South West are calling for more action on sharks in the region, including more monitoring of sharks that stray into surfing areas and popular beaches.
Ant Bostock, a 40-year-old free diver and spear fisher from Margaret River, said he did not support sharks being killed along the WA coastline.
"It makes sense for people to be tagging sharks and having a tagging and monitoring program, rather than blatantly killing any old shark they hook," he said.
The South West's two receivers are at Back beach in Bunbury and Meelup. Fisheries Minister Troy Buswell's office said yesterday a third receiver would be installed at Busselton "in the coming weeks".
