No charges to be pressed against Busselton Tiger shark fisherman despite distressing scene

No charges will be made despite public outrage at a tiger shark found dead at the Busselton jetty last week. The carcass was found on the ocean floor, after the shark was shocked to death from the trauma of being caught, a distressing site to many locals and visitors. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development confirmed it cannot pursue charges because tiger sharks do not fall under the whaler size shark rule of the State’s Fish Resources Management Regulations. The rule dictates that whaler sharks with an inter-dorsal fin length greater than 70cm are to be protected. DPIRD acting director of State operations Graeme Meinema said the fishing of sharks is completely legal, so long as fishermen follow equipment protocols. “Tiger sharks are not covered under the whaler shark size rule. In addition, the whaler shark size rule only applies in the South West and South Coast bioregions of WA,” he said. “Fishing for sharks is legal provided the area is open to fishing, no blood or offal containing mammal or bird products are being used to attract the sharks, and that all relevant fishing rules are adhered to. “These rules include gear, size (for some species), bag limits and that on becoming aware of a shark being a protected species, a fisher must immediately release it with the least amount of harm. “For recreational fishing, there is a daily bag limit for tiger sharks of three per person, under the rules that apply for large pelagic finfish.” Though this is not the outcome locals may have hoped for, DPIRD encouraged fishermen to consider their actions at all times. “At all times, we urge fishers to consider other ocean users and not put them at risk,” Mr Meinema said. “We also remind fishers to remove any shark or fish carcasses and leave beaches and other fishing areas they find them, by taking their rubbish with them when they leave and dispose of it in an appropriate way. “Removing carcasses helps reduce the risk of shark attractants and ensure the safety of other beach users.” Mr Meinema assured while they could not do so this time, DPIRD does take action on cases where it is required. “Fisheries compliance officers from the DPIRD conduct investigations, where there are allegations of illegal shark fishing, including those detected through social media posts and the officers issue infringement notices or instigate prosecution action where appropriate,” he said.