I think that at this stage of mans development, we have to accept that 'tampering' with nature is inevitable. Humans rely on the natural environment to provide us this everything and we are a part of nature wether we choose to accept it or not. We however, have to attempt to manage our use and involvement in a balanced, sustainable way.
There is the contradiction of providing for our own needs and allowing the natural environment to survive. Our ONLY tool is our inadequate scientific knowledge and principles. Question is how do we balance between preserving a possibly endangered shark and the death of a few humans. In my opinion, I think it is too early to shout 'kill the sharks' on the basis of emotion. As spearos, we must accept that this is going to happen from time to time. Dead fish will always attract sharks. On the other hand, I'm not against culling animals, as it is a valid way of controling nature to our benefit or the ecosystems benefit. I doubt that culling this shark will prevent further attacks in False Bay. Trust me, during spring time (i.e. now!) there are lots of GWS around and they are not restricted to Seal Island!
If this marked shark is culled, it may provide clues as to whether it is infact rogue and is responsible for both deaths in False Bay and possible reasons why (e.g. serious injury). If not, then I dont think it's such a great loss to the GWS population. Plenty are killed each month in the shark nets off Natal (Durban). Basically, what I'm saying is we have to consider gains and losses incured by culling this shark.
For your interest, I have been spearing on and off (at least 8 times since the attack) in the same area on shore dives to almost 1km offshore and have not had any encounter of the GWS kind.
There is the contradiction of providing for our own needs and allowing the natural environment to survive. Our ONLY tool is our inadequate scientific knowledge and principles. Question is how do we balance between preserving a possibly endangered shark and the death of a few humans. In my opinion, I think it is too early to shout 'kill the sharks' on the basis of emotion. As spearos, we must accept that this is going to happen from time to time. Dead fish will always attract sharks. On the other hand, I'm not against culling animals, as it is a valid way of controling nature to our benefit or the ecosystems benefit. I doubt that culling this shark will prevent further attacks in False Bay. Trust me, during spring time (i.e. now!) there are lots of GWS around and they are not restricted to Seal Island!
If this marked shark is culled, it may provide clues as to whether it is infact rogue and is responsible for both deaths in False Bay and possible reasons why (e.g. serious injury). If not, then I dont think it's such a great loss to the GWS population. Plenty are killed each month in the shark nets off Natal (Durban). Basically, what I'm saying is we have to consider gains and losses incured by culling this shark.
For your interest, I have been spearing on and off (at least 8 times since the attack) in the same area on shore dives to almost 1km offshore and have not had any encounter of the GWS kind.
