Fishers Decapitate 4-Meter Tiger Shark at Albany Boat Ramp

Video footage posted on social media shows fishers catching and decapitating a 4-meter tiger shark at an Albany boat ramp on Western Australia's south coast. According to witnesses, several sharks were present after a whale carcass was spotted off Goode Beach last week.

The fishers did not breach any laws, according to a spokesperson for the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD). However, the act drew sharp criticism from local recreational fisher Anthony Wise, who described fishing for sharks near a whale carcass as "irresponsible."

DPIRD had issued a warning to swimmers but stated that fishing was still permitted in the area.

"When you have a whale carcass and some big fish hanging around there, I don't think you should be able to fish for them."
— Anthony Wise, Albany recreational fisher

Researcher Condemns 'Trophy Hunting'

Mark Meekan, a researcher from the University of Western Australia, referred to the act as "trophy hunting" and strongly criticized the fishermen.

"Why are you catching them in the first place? These are apex predators. They are not very abundant and are very important in the ecosystem, and you can't eat the damn things."
— Mark Meekan, UWA researcher

Meekan also highlighted that large sharks are the most reproductively valuable and called for size limits to protect mature individuals.

Ecological Role of Tiger Sharks

Dr. Meekan explained that tiger sharks play a crucial role in the ecosystem. By influencing the behavior of dugongs and turtles, they allow seagrass to grow — which in turn helps sequester carbon.

Current Regulations

DPIRD regulations currently permit fishing for tiger sharks with no size limits, and up to three large pelagic finfish may be caught within 24 hours. Certain fishing methods are banned in highly populated areas, including from Two Rocks to Mandurah and parts of Busselton and Esperance — but not at Albany.