Calls for government action as new shark figures revealed

New research says there could be more than 2000 adult great whites off the WA coastline.

Preliminary results from a CSIRO study show the current shark population off the WA coast is between 750 and 2250 compared with 750 and 1030 off the East Coast. 

The State Opposition say this should be a game changer, and are calling on the McGowan Government to to change their approach to shark attack mitigation. 

Liberal Member for Vasse Libby Mettam said the statistics should be ringing alarm bells for the government.

"These statistics add weight to the concerning reality that there have been 15 shark attack fatalities in WA since 2000, many of which have occurred in my electorate of Vasse."

She's also said the lack of strategy means the number could grow exponentially and is worried this could change WA's beach culture and cripple tourism. 

The CSIRO investigation found the numbers aren't growing but are remaining steady.

Despite the results environmentalists still warn that great white sharks are endangered. 

Currently the WA Government offer a rebate on personal shark deterrent devices.

But Ms Mettam says offering $200 towards a $750 commercial product is only of benefit to divers and is not an appropriate response to a major public safety issue. 

The Federal Government are also weighing in, with Environment Minister Josh Frydenburg again calling for nets and drumlines. 

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