Most die from drowning as they struggle to break free from the nets. The mesh nets first appeared around the city's beaches in 1937. Since then, nets have been placed around other beaches. The Australian government estimates that roughly 500 great whites are killed off the coast each year, and only 10,000 remain in this part of the world. Mr. Reid says they are often caught inadvertently by fishermen.
Sharks fetch high prices in Asia, where shark fin soup is a delicacy.
Other shark parts are used in health and beauty products. Between 1990 and 1996, Australia recorded 45 shark attacks, resulting in seven deaths. Yet sympathy for the great white has grown due to concerns that the fish may disappear. We offer them for your additional research.