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25.01.2022 Why did Fisheries change the word "imminent" to "serious"? Because the old language "made inaction possible" (i.e. killing a tagged shark). Because "an imminent threat of attack...cannot be proven". Because There is abundant evidence to prove that not all sharks, even those known to be dangerous, are not about to attack (sic) just because they are in the immediate area/vicinity where people are present." Because "the lack of success so far due to the operational restricti...ons applied and the largely false expectations that the policy creates, will in most if not all cases, result in failure (to kill shark). How Machiavellian. From The Guardian: A review in December 2013, obtained by No WA Shark Cull, said the term imminent and the criteria used were problematic because they made inaction possible and opened the government up to criticism. In every order so far approved, I dont think any of them met the criteria, the review said. The document, titled imminent threat policy review notes and written by the WA Department of Fisheries, was shown to Guardian Australia on Wednesday. It says the policy assumes that the actions are to prevent an imminent threat of attack, which cannot be proven. There is abundant evidence to prove that not all sharks, even those known to be dangerous, are not about to attack (sic) just because they are in the immediate area/vicinity where people are present, the review says. This again makes the policy subject to criticism. Given the response times, the lack of success so far due to the operational restrictions applied and the largely false expectations that the policy creates, it will in most, if not all cases, result in failure. http://www.theguardian.com//wa-shark-cull-imminent-threat-

25.01.2022 If the shark is caught alive, it will be shot. Fisheries has been monitoring the shark closely for the past fortnight, but it had not been deemed a serious threat until now. Beaches in the area remain closed. Environmental group Sea Shepherd has rejected suggestions the shark was a danger to the public. Sea Shepherd's managing director Jeff Hansen said the shark has been chasing fish. "It's a known spawning area for snapper," he said. "In fact Fisheries use this area bec...ause they know the whites come in, to tag them. Its only crime is that it's feeding in the area and hanging around for a certain amount of time. It's ridiculous. Guess what, sharks swim in the ocean. It's time the West Australian Government and the WA Fisheries Department got over it: we have sharks swimming in our oceans." http://www.abc.net.au//shark-drum-lines-set-off-wa/5981738

24.01.2022 Three American students are looking for financial support, for a film they are making in South Africa about shark fining. https://www.kickstarter.com//rock-bottom-the-truth-behind-

24.01.2022 Please support Hands off point Peron in saving Point Peron from being turned into a marina and the local Eco-system ruined. The alternative proposal to build a coastal conservation park and tourist attraction and preserve the site is much more sensible and will ensure this amazing piece of coastline is preserved for future generations

22.01.2022 My feelings go out to the family, but on the other hand that peticular place is know at certain times of the year to have many sharks and it would be wiseto use a shark shield when diving. Also the Govt should have signs posted warning about certain months to be alert and not swim their. Its an unfortunate accident that could have been avoided by education and warning signs. I truel am sorry for the family for their loss.

22.01.2022 Interview footage from 7News roday in relation to Warnbro sound kill order.

21.01.2022 What has this shark done to deserve being hunted and killed? This, from the mouth of Fisheries Head Scientist, Rick Fletcher: "An increase in the level of detections during daylight hours on consecutive days last week prompted the additional capture response to be undertaken...The shark, which is tagged as part of the West Australian government funded shark monitoring network has been detected in Warnbro Sound 63 times in the past week, including on of the past three days s...ince Fisheries officers have been attempting to catch the animal." The shark was feeding on a natural food source. It did not approach any human. Closing the beach wasn't good enough. Perhaps someone should have told the shark to only come around at night, when humans don't want to use the beach. Are these Fisheries officials lunatics, or what? http://www.watoday.com.au//fisheries-abandons-hunt-for-gre

21.01.2022 Lynn MacLaren calls for an investigation of WA Dept Fisheries.

20.01.2022 I am on the ground here in Warnbro sound again as I was yesterday. Up until not long ago I was living in my vehicle along this beach and the usual sightings of untagged sharks where communicated to me through word of mouth and the local ocean using community. I have grown up in and around warnbro sound and have spent the majority of my aquatic leisure time in this area of water. It is common knowledge that between sept- Jan- Feb Great whites come through the area chasing scho...oling and spawning Snapper which school up in the sound and you also have the presence of Seals over at seal island. They have been here at this time of year for eons and the local community is pretty well aware of this. The vast majority of people are not detterred by their presence. Throughout September October and november I have spoken with many people heading down to the beach at warnbro for a swim while I sat cooking my breakfast and almost all of them whrer undetterred by my mentioning of the presence of Great whites spotted in the sound and told me that they believed the sharks are not interested in us humans and would continue to swim early every morning in the sounds regardless of their presence. I will remain here overlooking my home waters, My hiatus has come to an end. I gave my word that I would make a stand for WA sharks and fight for them untill they are safe in WA waters and the Imminent threat policy repealed. I intend on keeping my word. I can not really afford to be doing this and am looking forward to returning to work in the new year after loosing my home and everything except my boat which requires some work and money being spent on it before it can go back in the water. I would like to request that WASC's supporters again support me and WASC financially so that I can continue our fight for the sharks. I need to register and pay for a vehicle which was loaned to me, fix the boat ( replace window or weld in steel plate) and I need funds for fuel,food, need a small gas bottle or gas cannisters for a mini cooking stove and other bits and pieces. Reciepts for expenses will be provided on request. Thank you in advance. WASC wll be opening an account of its own very soon. This has not yet been done as we have all had some well deserved time off since cull ended. We will be resuming our duties for the sharks but need your support to do so. Thank you again. Ross Weir WASC Founder and Spokesperson. 0498698667 Bankwest Ross N Weir ACC:1118985 BSB:306 042

20.01.2022 University of Sydney shark policy expert, Dr Christopher Neff, said classifying a shark as an imminent threat on the basis of scientific tagging data went against the purpose of tagging, which was to study their movements as an indication of what the wider, untagged shark population might be doing. He said using that data to track and kill a white shark was unheard of and had angered scientists. Tagging provides an early warning system, and by killing that shark you are killing the early warning system, he said. Its a step backwards for science and for beach safety. http://www.theguardian.com//wa-shark-cull-killing-tagged-g

20.01.2022 Department of Fisheries spokesman Rick Fletcher said two boats would be in the attack area today. Mr Fletcher conceded not everyone was happy with the decision to hunt and destroy the shark. "This is part of the [State] Government's serious threat policy so we are implementing it on behalf of the Government," he said. Sounds like Rick Fletcher is saying "Don't blame Fisheries; blame Cullin Barnett." http://www.abc.net.au//outpouring-of-grief-for-tee/5992160

19.01.2022 A rigger by trade, Mr Fraschetti said the highlight of his week was donning a wetsuit and hitting the water on weekends with his $20,000 worth of camera gear. When youre taking photos of big fish stingrays, sharks, whales, dolphins you need to know migration patterns and feeding times and animal behaviour. You need to put in the time, Mr Fraschetti said. Some people tell me they dont dive anymore [due to fear of sharks]. Its a bit sad because theyve let the hype beat them, he said. http://www.perthnow.com.au///story-fnhocxo3-1227167294946

19.01.2022 WASC supporters this is a call to action. In order to save Rockingham and Perth's best snorkeling spot we need your help now! |Please share! If we are to have any chance of Saving Point Peron we need People Power now! Call Premier McGowan office today on (08) 6552 5000

17.01.2022 Tam and I woke up this morning to a beautifully crystal clear and calm Warnbro Sound. This has got to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Perth and after being in Perth for a few weeks I am very happy to be back on my favourite beach enjoying the sun, sand , the gentle sound of water lapping the shore at night and a bit of sunburn. We sat and waited for the dreaded sight of Fisheries vessels P.V Hamelin to return but as of 9Am there was still no sign of it. Warnbro beach ...appears to have returned to normality with the usual picturesque conditions and plenty of people enjoying a morning swim. Judging by the many conversations I have had with people who over the last few days have decided to go for a swim regardless of the kill order fiasco Warnbro and Rockingham beach goers are largely unfazed by the presence of sharks in the sound. I mean c'mon, this is Warnbro sound people. It is a nursery for much marine life and us locals know there are sharks in there. A good friend of mine spend yesterday on a boat and went over to check out the seals on seal island nearby. He will be sending me some photos to post for you all later. I have heard rumour that fisheries may head back down so must head back to beach. More updates and photos soon. Thank you for your continued support. WASC Founder and Spokesperson Ross Weir.

16.01.2022 "Mr Muscat was spear fishing with his mate Matt Pullella when he was bitten on the leg and died from his injuries...Mr Muscats friends paid tribute to the ocean lover who graduated from Albany Senior High School this year...They agreed Mr Muscat knew and accepted the risk of a shark attack to pursue his love of diving and spear fishing." http://www.perthnow.com.au//f/story-fnhocxo3-1227171014779

15.01.2022 Shark conservation can be a passion for many, but how we can translate it into action, can be done by making a movie or documentary. I am honored to have worked with Ricardo Lacombe, film-maker extraordinaire who not only converted his fear of sharks and open water, to one of the best documentaries about the true nature of these magnificent animals. Not only is the film he and his wife Rachel produced a true classic, White Shark Legends conveys a message we should all hear, and in this podcast, he explains how the idea was conceptualized and what it took to make one of the best docu's "WHITE SHARK LEGEND"

15.01.2022 There has been a fatal Shark attack at Cheynes beach. Two spear fishermen have found a deceased male in the water. Chamnces are Fisheries and the state government will implement the "serious threat" Policy and issue a kill order. WASC would like to extend condolances to victims family and friends. https://au.news.yahoo.com//2/shark-attack-reported-in-sw/

11.01.2022 "So come on you sandgropers let's show em our Aussie pride" "To all the rocky Bogans lets be unwavering in our stride" Please Share

11.01.2022 Cape Peron Coastal park,Lets make it happen! http://cape-peron-coastal-park.com/friends-of-point-peron-/

11.01.2022 Let's create a World Class Coastal Conservation and Recreation Park encompassing Lake Richmond through Cape Peron and across to Shoalwater Islands Marine Park - see cape-peron-coastal-park.com

11.01.2022 Please make a submission.

10.01.2022 Dear Supporter HOPP have been fighting this Point Peron public land grab for over 10 years now and a decision from the Planning Minister is due any day. The only way to save Point Peron now is through People Power. We need to get the truth out there as a matter of urgency. Heres what you can do:...Continue reading

09.01.2022 The departments acting director-general, Dr Rick Fletcher, said...fisheries staff were searching for a great white of the right size in the area, and any shark that fitted that description would be killed. Fletcher told ABC local radio in Perth on Tuesday morning it was unlikely fisheries staff would be able to positively identify a shark killed as the one responsible for the attack on Muscat. In most cases you probably cant identify it specifically but what we will be d...oing is any shark that fits within the serious threat policy it will be disposed of as per the policy, he said. Natalie Banks, the chairwoman of the group No WA Shark Cull, told Guardian Australia the departments actions were akin to going down to the park after a dog attack and shooting any dog that looks dangerous. Somehow the government believes that if we kill a shark the public may feel safer, but its a false sense of security, she said. I dont know of any other state or country that believes in the revenge killing of sharks.

09.01.2022 Former police minister Rob Johnson says he fought a losing battle with Premier Colin Barnett in 2012 to fund critical road safety initiatives, leaving WA with a "horrific" road toll three years on. In an opinion column in The West Australian today, Mr Johnson accuses the Government of putting more effort into preventing the small number of shark attacks each year than hundreds of fatal and serious car accidents. He cites three specific funding initiatives he was "forbidden..." from spending money on - more point-to-point speed cameras, increased breath and drug-testing facilities, and crash barriers and rumble strips for country roads. Last year, 184 people died and more than 300 were seriously injured in WA traffic crashes, giving the State its worst road toll for four years. Mr Johnson, whose adult daughter was permanently brain- damaged when her car was T-boned by a teenage driver in 2001, was police and road safety minister from September 2008 to June 2012. As minister, he ensured 100 per cent of speed and red-light camera fines would go to the Road Trauma Trust Account from July 2012, resulting in a $142 million budget for the council last financial year. In today's opinion pages, Mr Johnson calls for an end to the "procrastination" which has resulted in $90 million remaining unspent. "Knowing the significant amount of money set aside for such measures remains unused is frustrating and I cannot and will not remain silent any longer," he writes. Mr Johnson cites statistics on the high proportion of speeding, drunk or drug-affected drivers in serious and fatal crashes as justification for the measures, which he accuses Mr Barnett of personally vetoing. https://au.news.yahoo.com//road-safety-cash-blocked-by-ba/

08.01.2022 Protesters in WA have done their best to stop authorities slaughtering a shark, after the predator was labelled a threat just because it was swimming past a beach. Interview with Sea Shepherd Managing Director Jeff Hansen and WASC Founder Ross Weir. http://tenplay.com.au//12/20/attempts-to-stop-shark-killing

05.01.2022 Will be back on the ground in the sound tomorrow. Provided some good comment for news crews today and will do so again tomorrow. for now i must go to bed. More posts from me to come tommorrow. Cheers. WASC Founder and spokesperson Ross Weir

03.01.2022 http://www.perthnow.com.au//5a4a2574efaf09fa3a51a581958c2e Federal Environment minister Josh Frydenburg shows his lack of understanding and knowledge of effective shark Mitigation strategies and seeks to politicise the issue. Should drumlines be used once again WASC INC and the various groups who oppossed and conquered The Liberal Governments cull regime, will once again stand up and fight for our Sharks and the health of our Oceans. Ross Weir

03.01.2022 Katharine, the great white shark whose southward trek over the past year captivated observers across the internet, is back at home in the waters off Cape Cod, Massachusetts USA, and researchers are noting that the predator remains a gold mine of information about her species. THIS is why sharks are tagged at great expense to the government. http://www.inquisitr.com//katharine-the-great-white-shark/

03.01.2022 Fisheries out killing more tiger sharks. Oh, they said it was released alive...but with a massive stainless steel hook in its head. "No Fish for the Future" should be their new motto.

02.01.2022 "Regardless of your position on this issue, when national and international laws can be lifted and ignored so easily to suit a particular governmental agenda, warning bells should be ringing. One day, it won't just be about sharks, but another animal which you love. Moreover, when the Science Minister ignores the scientific community and acts on fear and irrationality, we should all be alarmed." - Natalie Banks

01.01.2022 I have just completed interviews for Nine and Seven news Perth in regard to the Fatal shark attack today at Cheynes beach. I will share the entire interview with seven after 6pm and some pics to go with it. There are many similartities between Cheynes beach and Warnbro sound and I would like to point them out to you and encourage discussion and debate in regards to this fatality. 1)These locations are at this time of the year spawning grounds for, and rich in large numbers of... Snapper,Salmon and Samson fish. A staple diet of young great white and other sharks. 2) These two areas ( Albany and Warnbro) have local seal populations which are a primary food source for more mature great whites. 3) At this time of year Great White Sharks which are nearing sexual maturity inhabit closer coastal areas such as WArnbro Sound and Albany as they begin learning to make the transition from a large fish diet to a pinniped (Seal and mammal) diet. These sharks are usually of the 3-4m size. 4)Great white sharks routinely show up in these two areas at this time of year. 5)Great White Sharks are very intelligent and are fussy in which prey the will take. This is why you will notice that the majority of sharks caught on deployed drumlines are Tiger Sharks. Whilst tiger sharks are known to have a go at most baits, Great Whites are the complete opposite and catching a GW on a drumline is rare. Just a few of the many [points relevant to the current situation. Let the debate begin! Please keep it friendly and constructive. I will be online to discuss and debate with you just after 6pm. Ross Weir.

01.01.2022 In response to questions from Fairfax Media, the WA Fisheries Department confirmed the imminent threat policy that had been in place had been amended and was now a "serious threat policy". A spokeswoman for the Department of Fisheries said the "fundamentals between both policies are the same" and that it was the guidelines under the new version of the policy that were followed in dealing with the shark in Warbro Sound on the weekend. The criteria includes that a shark needs... to be three metres and above, remain in a specific area over a continuous period, be within one nautical mile of the coast and that confirmed sightings need to be during daylight hours (when people are typically using the water) and at a time when conditions are likely to be conducive to people using the water. The decision to deploy gear is still to made by the director-general of Fisheries in consultation with the Department of Parks and Wildlife and the Department of Premier and Cabinet. So who at DPaW approved of killing a tagged shark? Or does the director general only need approval from the DPC?

01.01.2022 Western Australians for Shark conservation would like to urge our supporters to jump on board the campaign to end the Point Peron Marina development project. This project will see one of Perth's best tourist attractions ruined and the local Eco-system irreversibly damaged. Please Call and write to the western Australian Tourism minister, Premier Mark Mgowans office and strongly voice your opposition to the destruction of perths best diving and snorkelling spot. https://ccwa.g...ood.do/littlepenguins/email/ https://www.facebook.com/HandsOffPointPeron/

01.01.2022 The West Australian government's determination to kill sharks off the WA coast could strain relationships with the research community. Some involved in shark tagging in other parts of Australia have voiced concerns that the efforts they have put into tagging sharks could be lost if tagged sharks are killed.

01.01.2022 Wasc will be heading down to Warnbro this morning ! We hope the White Pointer has left the area ! The Shark has not got a fair go,as it is tagged so fisheries know exactly where it is and not even given thought that the GW shark is just in its own domain feeding on the many fish etc that is in that area of Warnbro. We hope the catch and kill order will be revoked !