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Sharks don't deter divers

One of Perth's biggest scuba diving schools has dispelled suggestions its business is suffering after shark attacks off WA.

Perth Scuba said despite claims people were more afraid to use the water, it had trained 234 divers in November and December, the busiest two months in its 10-year history.

Fishermen fear interference from opponents

The Canning Vale group joined other diving groups to publicly oppose the Barnett Government's catch-and-kill policy.

Managing director Lee Johnson said the industry was leading the way helping to educate people about sharks - a position he urged the Government to adopt instead of killing them.

"Yes, there are sharks in the ocean and there is a very small risk, but your chances of even seeing one are just so low compared with the health and well-being benefits of enjoying a day in the water," he said. Not all diving businesses agree. Perth Diving Academy said last week that seven fatal shark attacks in the past three years had dented business.

For university student Sarah Anderson, who has just passed a diving course, scuba diving helped her overcome a fear of sharks.

Ms Anderson said the Government would be better off putting its efforts into deconstructing myths about the predators.