Fears for shark network

Failure to maintain a network of shark monitoring beacons, including two satellite-linked devices in Albany, could lead to the State Government being blamed if there is a shark bite, according to the Greens.

This week the WA Government confirmed its shark tagging program, which started in 2009 for research and safety purposes, would cease on June 30.

It is understood funds to service the monitoring network, including those in Albany waters, have been reduced.

According to the Department of Fisheries, more than 100 sharks have been tagged in the Albany region.

Albany has two satellite-linked receivers - at Ellen Cove and Whalers Beach - which alert the Department of Fisheries and Albany Surf Life Saving Club in real time if a tagged shark passes, as well as acoustic receiver stations off Chatham and Bald islands.

Shark movements are then able to be tracked on the SharkSmart website.

Greens MLC Lynn MacLaren has been outspoken on the issue this week and said the funding cut could lead to receivers being left without appropriate maintenance, diminishing the safety of water users.

"I think over the years, people have come to know … where the network is," she said.

"If you're looking at the SharkSmart website, you might be using that to determine the degree of risk you are taking.

"If that system fails … it could well be that the Government is liable or implicated if somebody gets bitten."

However, Fisheries executive director Dr Rick Fletcher said the shark monitoring network would continue to operate.

"The (network) will be part of normal departmental operating expenses for research and shark hazard mitigation operations," he said.

Albany Surf Life Saving Club emergency response co-ordinator Pat McSweeney said he did not believe swimmers would be at risk if the receivers failed because the club had its own safety procedures.

"We've survived without it," he said.

"From our point of view, we only see it as a monitoring thing, it's not a preventative, and you can't prevent people from being attacked.

"It's a good asset to have as it gives us an indication of whether there are sharks.

"But it doesn't tell us if there are untagged sharks there."

Albany MLA Peter Watson said it was important for the devices to work, but believed aerial patrols would be more effective in keeping local water users safe.