A shark attack survivor has called for an emergency summit on how to deal with the predator, saying that the divide between fishermen, scientists and government agencies is preventing meaningful action.
Dave Pearson, who lost part of his leg in a bull shark attack while surfing in 2011, said it was time for all sides of the debate to come together and examine what more could be done to improve public safety.
His intervention comes amid criticism of the NSW government’s shark mitigation strategy following a series of attacks, such as the mauling of Leah Stewart at Coogee Beach on June 13.
Speaking to Sky News on Tuesday, Mr Pearson said rather than focusing on individual solutions, NSW needed a broad discussion involving all stakeholders.
He pointed to the 2015 shark summit held during a period of repeated attacks around Ballina and Byron Bay, and said a similar approach was now needed in Sydney.
“It’s about time everybody came together on this and started throwing around some different ideas,” he said.
“If we want to tell everyone they’re doing the wrong thing, well, let’s bring some data and let’s figure out what else we can do.”
Mr Pearson said the dispute between scientific research and observations from people working on the water could only be resolved through engagement.
“That’s what I want to do,” he said when asked whether a summit could bridge the gap between scientific evidence and anecdotal observations.
“Let’s find out the facts, let these people bring their data to the government and stop throwing stones from a distance.
“Let’s stand in the same room and let’s respect what everybody’s doing and respect that everybody has a valid point here.
“Let’s sit down and talk about it.”
Mr Pearson said the conversation should not be reduced to a battle between conservationists and those advocating stronger shark controls.
Within his own shark attack survivor network, he said there were widely differing views on what the best strategy is to deal with the predator.
“The one thing we do within our group is we talk about our experiences, we talk sharks and we talk about our feelings towards sharks,” he said.
“And as you would expect, some people in our group are into shark conservation. Some are actually active in going out and fishing for sharks.”
This comes after spearfisherman Ryan Baker accused the government of misleading the public about shark numbers.
Commercial diver Ian Puckeridge also argued fishermen should have a greater role in shaping shark management policy.
Despite calling for fresh ideas, Mr Pearson defended many of the measures already operating in NSW.
He said technologies such as drone surveillance were producing positive results.
The NSW government has invested more than $30 million into its Shark Management Program.
The program includes drone surveillance, SMART drumlines, listening stations and shark tagging.
“We are doing a lot, compared to the rest of the world, we sink a lot of money into shark mitigation here in Australia,” he said.
Mr Pearson said disagreement was inevitable but warned against allowing divisions to derail efforts to improve safety.
“I have relationships with some of the people at the Department of Primary Industries and they are wonderful people,” he said.
“I have relationships with some of the people who are calling out for shark culls, and they have wonderful people as well.
“We don’t all have to agree, but we do need to respect each other.
“I’d love to be part of something that brings a respectful discussion within all of the communities that involves sharks.”