Aussie state lays latest shark traps amid renewed concerns about attacks

Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-22 14:23:17|Editor: mmm
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SYDNEY, Oct. 22 (Xinhua) -- Western Australia authorities are laying advanced non-lethal drumline traps along the coast as part of latest measures to prevent shark attacks that have renewed concerns about marine safety in the community, according to local media.

The drumlines, which use baited hooks to lure the sharks before they are tagged and released offshore, will initially be stretched more than 10 km near the southern Gracetown area, including new satellite-linked receivers that track the animals' movement and help warn people about any shark hazards, the ABC news channel reported late on Sunday.

A similar system in northern New South Wales state catches, tags, relocates and releases sharks, it said.

At least two surfers have been fatally attacked by the top marine predators in the Western Australia area over the years, with another two non-fatal incidents earlier this year that led to the cancellation of a major surfing event, according to the channel.

Late last month, animal welfare groups condemned Queensland state authorities for using baited drumlines to catch and kill sharks after a 46-year-old woman and 12-year-old girl were severely bitten while swimming in the same northeastern harbor area.

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