Mother of fatal shark victim says they shouldn't be culled
Sharon Burden's son was killed by a shark but she says instead of culling them warning signs need to be installed to warn of possible attacks.
She gave emotional testimony on Friday at a senate inquiry called to work out how to deal with the risk posed by sharks at West Australian beaches.
It has been six years since her son died doing what he loved.
21-year-old Kyle was surfing when he was attacked by a shark in Bunker Bay in 2011.
In a tearful statement his mother said she felt sharks should be protected, despite what happened to her son.
She called for permanent warning signs at beaches, just as there are crocodile warning signs in the State's north.
"It is surprising to me given the high profile [shark attacks] have here in WA that there aren't more of those strategies present when you visit," she said.
Trigg Beach is one site where shark drum lines were set.
The inquiry heard evidence from the scientific community questioning their need when most shark attacks occurred in surfing spots where drumlines are not present.
Paul Collier was surfing with Ben Gerring on the day he was attacked last year near Mandurah and believes in a more aggressive approach.
"Just as we send someone to jail, it should go to shark jail, and if we don't have a shark jail - well, sorry, that means destroy the shark," he said.
The Senate Chair expects a full report will be available by November.
