Prototype: The shark net at Dunsborough. Picture: Angela Pownall\/The West Australian <\/p>\n
Up to 22 WA beaches could be fitted with nets to keep out sharks after a review identified areas along the State's coast suitable for non-lethal barriers. <\/p>\n
Cottesloe, Gracetown, Rottnest Island, Bunker Bay - all sites of recent fatal shark attacks - are among beaches earmarked for netting in a new State Government-commissioned report. <\/p>\n
As the Government moves away from its controversial drum-line policy it scrapped two weeks ago, Premier Colin Barnett is expected to make an announcement about new beach enclosures in the South West today. <\/p>\n
Mr Barnett told The West Australian yesterday there were opportunities to install shark-proof nets at beaches beyond Dunsborough, where a 500m-long enclosure was tested last summer. <\/p>\n
\"Enclosures are best suited to protected areas and popular or highly utilised beaches,\" he said. <\/p>\n
\"Given the recent spate of shark attacks, beaches in the South West would be a priority.\" <\/p>\n
Environmental consultancy Hydrobiology was commissioned to review the trial in Dunsborough, where shark-proof netting was held up by permanently installed pilings, and to identify other beaches suitable for nets. <\/p>\n
\"Much of the central and southern coastline of Western Australia, the most populated area, has a low tidal area range, which is ideal for installation of beach enclosures,\" the report said. <\/p>\n
\"There are many locations that would facilitate the construction of further beach enclosures without initiating significant engineering works.\" <\/p>\n
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Shark nets for 22 WA beaches<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Prototype: The shark net at Dunsborough. Picture: Angela Pownall\/The West Australian Up to 22 WA beaches could be fitted with nets to keep out sharks after a review identified areas along the State's coast suitable for non-lethal barriers. Continue reading