Eyre Peninsula considers fishing restrictions after shark attacks

A South Australian community is dealing with the aftermath of two fatal shark attacks over the past 15 months. Residents believe activities like recreational fishing and cage diving may be attracting sharks to the area. Following the recent death of a surfer near Streaky Bay, local authorities have released a report with 28 recommendations aimed at reducing shark interactions. The report highlights concerns about human activities influencing shark behavior and mentions communication issues in the area due to poor mobile reception. Community members expressed worries that activities such as jet-skiing and cage diving could condition sharks to associate humans with food. The report found that jet skis were present on the water before the last two fatal attacks. One of the major recommendations is to consider banning fishing in certain areas, like surf zones, which some locals believe could be attracting sharks. The local council is discussing these measures, although further consultation will be needed. The report also points out that bad mobile service hampers emergency response efforts, making it harder for people to call for help. Officials are suggesting improvements to communication infrastructure in the region. Streaky Bay's Mayor, Travis Barber, noted the fear among locals and the negative impact on tourism. Many residents are contemplating leaving the area due to safety concerns. The council is asking the state government for more support to implement the report's recommendations. This includes funding for better emergency response tools and safety measures. Meanwhile, state governments in New South Wales and Western Australia have made funding commitments for shark management and safety enhancements in their regions.