❓ Question regarding the content and development of the SharkSmart website, specifically concerning the inclusion of findings from a Department of Fisheries report on shark attack risk factors. The Minister's answer clarifies agency involvement and the use of the report's findings.
AnsweredQoN 2171Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
(1) Will the Minister please list the agencies responsible for writing the content of the SharkSmart website launched January 2014? (2) Was content on the SharkSmart website edited or overseen by the Department of Premier and Cabinet? (3) Why is no mention made on the SharkSmart website of findings of the Department of Fisheries occasional paper titled A correlation study of the potential risk factors associated with white shark attacks in Western Australian waters November 2012 relating to the lower and higher risk factors for a fatal shark attack in Western Australia? (4) Does the Minister agree that raising public awareness about the Department of Fisheries findings on the higher and lower risk factors for a fatal shark attack in Western Australia, relating to season, depth of water, distance from shore and water temperature, could substantially increase Western Australian oceanusers' ability to manage and reduce their own level of risk in regard to shark attack? (5) If no to (4), why not?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
18 November 2014
Responded by
Minister for Fisheries
Response time
26 days
1. Agencies involved included the Department of Fisheries and the Department of the Premier and Cabinet (including the Office of Science) (DPC). Content was also sought from WA Police and Surf Life Saving WA.
2. DPC was involved in various areas of content development and approval.
3. The Fisheries Occasional Paper titled 'A correlation study of the potential risk factors associated with white shark attacks in Western Australian waters. November 2012' is referred to on the SharkSmart website and a link is provided to the full report.
The information and findings were also used to develop some of the advice used in the two infographics provided in the staying safe section of the SharkSmart website. These infographics are:
· Be SharkSMART, and
· Separating Fact from Fiction.
4. The information will assist the public of Western Australia make informed decisions about their beach use which is why it is available publicly and has been used to develop other advice provided to the public.
5. Not applicable
2. DPC was involved in various areas of content development and approval.
3. The Fisheries Occasional Paper titled 'A correlation study of the potential risk factors associated with white shark attacks in Western Australian waters. November 2012' is referred to on the SharkSmart website and a link is provided to the full report.
The information and findings were also used to develop some of the advice used in the two infographics provided in the staying safe section of the SharkSmart website. These infographics are:
· Be SharkSMART, and
· Separating Fact from Fiction.
4. The information will assist the public of Western Australia make informed decisions about their beach use which is why it is available publicly and has been used to develop other advice provided to the public.
5. Not applicable
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