AUSTRALIA Hunt on for monster shark' that killed diver off Perth SYDNEY: A hunt was under way yester at the government's plans, "Given that day for a monster 6m shark blamed for science tells us that drum lines are an a fatal attack on a diver in western Aus- unnecessary and lethal option for shark tralia, despite allegations it amounted to management, the government's response a "revenge killing" can only be described as revenge killingi The woman, 60, was fatally mauled 1km campaign director Michael Kennedy said offshore from Perth on Sunday by a shark in a statement described by witnesses as bigger than their Western Australian Premier Colin Bar 5.3m boat. nett said his state, which has now suffered A surfer also succumbed to his injuries 14 shark attack fatalities since 2000, was in on Friday after his leg was bitten off by a shock at the latest deaths. shark along the same coastline last week. don't think there's any doubt that the The West Australian fisheries depart number of sharkat tacks and fatalities from ment said it would deploy "capture gear shark attack has increased quite signifi to haul in what they believe is a great cantly over recent years, he told reporters white shark that poses "a serious threat to in Perth. Mr Barnett said anumber of meas ures were deployed, including the aerial public safety" Fisheries official Tony Cappelluti said if patrols, to alert swimmers to sharks. But a shark matching the description of the one the catching and killing of the predators that attacked the diver was captured, it was has long proved controversial highly likely we will take the decision to A previous trial involving baited hooks destroy it in the interests of public safety attached to floating drum lines to snare We have two methods we can either sharks was abandoned after objections from let it expire on the line or we can use a fire- conservationists and marine scientists. arm to destroy it, he said. "In this instance Mr Barnett said, however, the govern ment would always erron the side of public today we will be using a firearm. Animal rights group Humane Society safety and reserved the right to destroy a International expressed "extreme concern" shark if it posed an imminent threat AFP