CULLING All Sharks!

As most native Australians are wont to do, Peter Kurmann, a 33-year-old experienced diver and daddy - disregarded the 'Sharky Weather' warning in favor of a regular diving date with his brother, Gian.

It was a fatal mistake!

He became the fourth victim in a gruesome series of shark attacks in what's becoming known as "the most dangerous waters in the world!"

You might hear an Aussie say something like: 'It's a 'sharky' day out today'. It means it's the type of weather that sharks tend to become very 'active' in - low, dark, cloud, windy, choppy waters...

It's the type of weather you may want to think twice about swimming in!

While as of yet unconfirmed, Fisheries experts have no doubt it is the work of a great white shark - the same species that killed the previous three victims. Bite mark measurements will confirm what all suspect.

It is estimated that the shark was over 4 meters long - or 13 feet.

His brother pulled his mutilated body to shore with the help of a nearby boat.

Miles of local beach were immediately closed while officials hunted the killer shark.

Subsequently, they have been re-opened as weather conditions made continuing the search unfeasible.

The shark has not been found.

There's Something Very Fishy Here!

Or...is there?

The 'unprecedented' number of shark attacks in this specific area over the past 2 years - has given it the infamous title of 'Deadliest Water in the World'!

The question is WHY?

While some are blaming the increased attacks on the fact that the Great White is a protected species - and therefore must be growing in numbers - authorities say it's just as likely to be an increase in human population and a surge in water play that's to blame.

Apparently, there is a direct correlation between the number of sharks in any given area - and the number of humans - and the population of S.W. Australia (Province of Perth) is not only growing faster than any other region of Australia , but - the number of people utilizing the water has also dramatically increased!

Culling All Sharks?

Immediately after the attack, Ian Stubbs - the president of the city of Busselton - called for a 'culling' of the shark population.

His exactly words: "If they have attacked humans, they should be destroyed!"

OH, REALLY?

With all due respect to, and empathy for, Mr. Kurmann's distraught wife and children, I must ask: Are humans really THIS arrogant?

If I understand this properly:

• Human knowingly and willingly enters the realm of shark.

• Shark does what sharks do - and have done for millions of years - long before MAN was even a flicker in their cold, black eyes. It devours anything - and anyone - in it's path!

• Human decrees that shark must die?

SOUP-er Human?

Thankfully, clearer heads seem to have prevailed - so far!

Western Australia Premier Colin Barnett backed the Fisheries Department plea to not support the 'call to cull' - which would virtually guarantees the frenzied slaughter of hundreds, if not thousands of sharks.

Of all species!

I cannot fathom the depth of narcissism necessary for some humans to feel as if they OWN the planet - instead of being satisfied with sharing it!

Perhaps we need to remember that while a shark may eat the odd passing human for dinner - millions of sharks are massacred every year - JUST TO MAKE SOUP!

Sigh..

Written in conjunction with:

• Shark Fin Soup - A Poem

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