What Happened to Western Australian Shark Cull?
The Western Australian Shark Cull was a controversial state government policy implemented in 2014, involving the use of baited drum lines to catch and kill large sharks following a series of fatal attacks. Facing significant public opposition and scientific uncertainty, the initial 'catch-and-kill' policy was largely abandoned by late 2014, evolving into an 'imminent threat' response and later a trial of non-lethal SMART drumlines, which concluded as ineffective for white sharks in 2021. Currently, Western Australia employs a comprehensive, non-lethal shark hazard mitigation strategy focusing on monitoring, awareness, and personal deterrents, though recent fatal attacks in 2026 have reignited debate.
Quick Answer
The Western Australian Shark Cull, initiated in 2014, was a policy to kill large sharks using baited drum lines in response to fatal attacks. It faced widespread criticism and was scaled back by late 2014, then fully abandoned in 2017. A subsequent trial of non-lethal SMART drumlines from 2018 to 2021 was deemed ineffective for its target species, white sharks. As of June 2026, WA's shark mitigation strategy is non-lethal, relying on a shark monitoring network, aerial patrols, beach enclosures, and a personal shark deterrent rebate program, though recent fatal attacks have brought the strategy under renewed scrutiny.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline13 events
Increase in Fatal Shark Attacks
Seven people are killed by sharks along the Western Australian coastline, prompting public concern and calls for government action.
Initial 'Catch-and-Kill' Policy Implemented
The Western Australian government, under Premier Colin Barnett, introduces a controversial policy to deploy baited drum lines to catch and kill large sharks (over 3 meters) near popular beaches.
Initial Trial Results Released
After a 10-week trial, 172 sharks are caught, with 50 tiger sharks over 3 meters killed. No great white sharks, the primary target, are caught.
Seasonal Cull Abandoned After EPA Recommendation
The Western Australian Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) recommends against extending the seasonal drum line program due to scientific uncertainty. Premier Barnett announces the abandonment of the seasonal cull.
'Imminent Threat' Policy Begins
While the seasonal cull is abandoned, the government retains the option to deploy drum lines under an 'imminent threat' policy in response to specific shark sightings or attacks.
Drum Lines Fully Abandoned by New Government
The newly elected Western Australian state government completely ceases the use of drum lines, ending the 'imminent threat' policy.
SMART Drumline Trial Announced
Following further shark attacks, the WA government announces a 12-month trial of non-lethal 'SMART' (Shark-Management-Alert-in-Real-Time) drumlines near Gracetown.
SMART Drumline Trial Commences
The non-lethal SMART drumline trial officially begins, aiming to catch, tag, relocate, and release white sharks to study their movements.
SMART Drumline Trial Extended
The McGowan Government extends the SMART Drumline Trial by 12 months to May 2021 to collect more data for a comprehensive scientific assessment.
SMART Drumline Trial Concludes, Deemed Ineffective
The SMART drumline trial concludes. An independent review by WA's Chief Scientist finds the technology 'not effective as a shark mitigation measure' for white sharks in local conditions, with only two white sharks caught out of 352 animals.
Significant Funding for Non-Lethal Strategy
The Cook Government announces a $17.3 million boost for its Shark Hazard Mitigation Strategy in the 2024-25 State Budget, focusing on helicopter patrols, communication systems, and frontline safety services.
Shark Hazard Mitigation Strategy Update
The WA Shark Hazard Mitigation Strategy continues, focusing on awareness (SharkSmart app), monitoring (shark tagging and network), response, and mitigation tools like beach enclosures and a $200 rebate for personal shark deterrent devices.
Recent Fatal Attacks Reignite Debate
Two fatal shark attacks in three weeks plunge WA's shark mitigation strategy back into the political spotlight. The government is in talks with a new supplier for its shark deterrent rebate program after a key manufacturer's collapse.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
The 'Western Australian Shark Cull' refers to a state government policy implemented in 2014, driven by a series of seven fatal shark attacks along the WA coastline between 2010 and 2013. The policy involved deploying baited drum lines near popular beaches to catch and kill large sharks, specifically great white, bull, and tiger sharks over three meters in length. The government, led by Premier Colin Barnett, aimed to enhance public safety and restore confidence among beachgoers.
However, the policy immediately sparked widespread national and international condemnation from environmental groups, scientists, and the public, who argued it was cruel, ineffective, and detrimental to the marine ecosystem. Critics highlighted that the drum lines were indiscriminate, catching non-target species and smaller sharks, and that there was scientific uncertainty about their impact on protected species like the great white shark. During the initial 10-week trial in early 2014, 172 sharks were caught, with 50 tiger sharks over three meters killed, but no great white sharks, the primary target, were captured.
A significant turning point occurred in September 2014 when the Western Australian Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) recommended against extending the seasonal drum line program due to a 'high degree of scientific uncertainty' regarding its environmental impact. Following this, Premier Barnett announced the abandonment of the seasonal cull, though an 'imminent threat' policy remained, allowing drum lines to be deployed in response to specific shark threats or incidents. This 'imminent threat' policy continued until March 2017, when the newly elected state government completely ceased the use of drum lines.
In August 2018, after further shark attacks, the WA government reversed its stance on drum lines and announced a 12-month trial of 'SMART' (Shark-Management-Alert-in-Real-Time) drumlines near Gracetown. Unlike the previous lethal policy, SMART drumlines were designed to be non-lethal: they alert operators when a shark is caught, allowing for tagging, relocation, and release. The trial was extended until May 2021 to gather more data. However, an independent assessment by WA's Chief Scientist, Professor Peter Klinken, concluded that the SMART drumline technology was 'not effective as a shark mitigation measure in Western Australian conditions,' particularly for catching white sharks, the target species. Only two white sharks were caught during the 27-month trial, out of 352 animals.
CURRENT STATUS (as of 2026-06-07): Western Australia's current shark hazard mitigation strategy is comprehensive and non-lethal. It includes a robust shark monitoring network with 40 receivers providing real-time detection of tagged sharks via the SharkSmart WA app and social media. The strategy also features extensive aerial surveillance by Surf Life Saving WA, beach enclosures at various locations, and a $200 rebate program for scientifically proven personal shark deterrent devices. The Cook Government has allocated significant funding, including $17.3 million in the 2024-25 State Budget, to continue these measures. Despite these efforts, two fatal shark attacks in May and June 2026 have once again brought WA's shark mitigation strategy under political scrutiny, prompting calls for an immediate investigation and a scramble to replace vital safety gear from the rebate program after a key manufacturer's collapse. The government maintains its focus on evidence-based, non-lethal strategies, emphasizing real-time information for water users.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Western Australian Shark Cull made different choices?