Netted shark barriers installed across Perth beaches after attacks

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Oct, 11:34 · Archive

Netted enclosures are being installed at Perth beaches following fatal shark attacks that have heightened community concerns.

Netted beach enclosures are being installed across Perth's metropolitan beaches as temperatures warm and public anxiety about shark attacks remains high. A 170-metre barrier at Cottesloe Beach was completed on Wednesday and will stay in place until the end of April. The barrier at Quinns Beach is expected to be operational by Friday, and the City of Fremantle plans to install an enclosure at Bathers Beach later this month, weather permitting.

The installations follow the death of 63-year-old swimmer Greg O'Neill at Sorrento in September. O'Neill was attacked by a suspected five-metre great white shark whilst swimming about 15 metres from shore. He was the third victim of a fatal shark attack in Western Australia in recent months.

Quinns Mindarie Surf Life Saving coach Mike Spiby said the barriers would help give the community reassurance and confidence to return to beaches. 'It gives you a bit of reassurance. It's good for the kids, good for their confidence,' he said.

The shark tagging efforts have declined significantly, with a 33 per cent fall in the number of sharks tagged by the WA Government over the past 12 months and a 60 per cent decline since 2023. In response to community concerns, the Cook Government committed extra funding to increase shark tagging and provide additional receiver buoys along the coast.

How it is being reported

• Critical netted shark barriers back in the ocean across Perth beaches as shark fears remain highNetted beach enclosures are rolling out across Perth beaches to restore swimmer confidence as fears remain over the recent string of fatal shark attacks.Perth Now · 14 Oct, 11:01
• Critical netted shark barriers back in the ocean across Perth beaches as shark fears remain highNetted beach enclosures are rolling out across Perth beaches to restore swimmer confidence as fears remain over the recent string of fatal shark attacks.The West Australian · 14 Oct, 11:01

In this story: Greg O'Neill · Mike Spiby · Cook Government · Cottesloe Beach · Quinns Beach · Bathers Beach · Sorrento · Perth

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