Shark catch-and-kill order issued after swimmer dies off popular Perth beach

Published 2w ago · Updated 1w ago

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A rare "catch-and-kill" order issued after a fatal shark attack in Perth has drawn sharp criticism from experts who call the search futile.

A 63-year-old swimmer, Greg O'Neill, was killed by a shark at Sorrento Beach in Perth, prompting the Western Australian government to issue a rare "catch-and-kill" order. The attack, witnessed by dozens of beachgoers, led to beach closures and an active search by police boats and helicopters. However, marine experts have criticized the government's response, arguing that finding the specific shark responsible is highly unlikely and akin to searching for a needle in a haystack.

Greg O'Neill was fatally mauled by a shark on Friday morning while swimming at Sorrento Beach in Perth.
Western Australia's Fisheries Minister, Jackie Jarvis, authorized a "catch-and-kill" order to destroy the shark if it is captured.
Marine experts and shark drone specialists criticized the order, stating that the chances of locating the specific shark responsible are slim to none.
The fatal incident is the fifth deadly shark attack recorded in Australia this year.
Just days prior to the fatal attack, a surfer was seriously injured and lost his foot in a separate shark attack at another Australian beach.

By the numbers

5fatal shark attacks in Australia in the current year

Timeline

Sep 15A surfer is seriously injured and loses a foot in a shark attack at an Australian beach.
Sep 18Greg O'Neill is fatally attacked by a shark while swimming at Sorrento Beach in Perth.
Sep 19The Western Australian government issues a catch-and-kill order for the shark.
Sep 20A marine expert criticizes the kill order, calling the search for the shark futile.

Why it matters

Shark attacks, while statistically rare, generate significant public anxiety and intense debate over conservation versus public safety. The Western Australian government's use of "catch-and-kill" orders is highly controversial, drawing criticism from marine biologists who argue such measures are ineffective and ecologically damaging.

What outlets agree on

Outlets agree that Greg O'Neill was killed by a shark at Sorrento Beach, leading the Western Australian government to issue an order to destroy the shark if caught.

Where coverage differs

While the government has deployed resources to hunt the shark, marine experts have disputed the feasibility of the search, calling the chances of finding the specific animal extremely low.

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