The Western Australian authorities is reviewing its shark mitigation methods after a 16-year-old was killed in a suspected bull shark assault final week.
Fisheries Minister Don Punch this week confirmed a shark barrier can be put in on the Bicton Baths, a web site between the place Stella Berry was attacked, and a non-fatal assault occurred in 2021.
It's the first river-barrier within the state's historical past, however may turn into certainly one of many alongside the Swan River.
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"Bicton has an extended historical past as a preferred swimming spot and for that purpose the federal government has made the choice to companion with Bicton and the Melville Metropolis Council," Punch stated.
"There may be complexity placing boundaries into the river, we've to take into consideration the surroundings of the river, and in addition the actual fact there's plenty of site visitors on the river, and a river stream.
"However we're very assured we will work with with the Melville Metropolis Council to get this barrier up and working as quickly as potential.
"[Next summer] is our goal."
Punch stated the barrier is not going to lure marine life, however "will hold sharks out".
The federal government will cowl preliminary barrier prices, which is anticipated to fall between $200,000 and $400,000.
Punch added that "ongoing conversations" have been initiated with further councils.
"I've additionally written to 6 different councils within the space, inviting them to speak with us about additional alternatives for placing additional enclosures within the river," Punch stated.
"What number of, and in what kind, is one thing that may come out of these conversations."
The councils with beachfronts alongside the Swan River embrace: Fremantle, East Fremantle, Mosman Park, Claremont, Nedlands, and Peppermint Grove.
Punch has not dominated out introducing additional management measures - comparable to a shark tagging program - as properly.
"Shark mitigation is a fancy difficulty and our work is firmly primarily based on proof and science," he defined.
"We are going to proceed to have a look at what alternatives there may be to enhance, and to assist additional construct extra info and recommendation.
"Whether or not tagging is a part of that may come out of the evaluate work we're endeavor, individually, to the enclosure work we have introduced."
Berry, a 12 months 11 scholar, had been driving a jet ski at Fremantle on February 4 when she jumped within the water and was mauled.
Her demise was the primary fatality on the river in 100-years.
A 2.5-metre shark had reportedly been seen the evening earlier than the assault underneath the Fremantle bridge however hadn't been reported till days after the incident.
Punch stated Berry's demise was "tragic and really surprising".
"We have not skilled something like this in a century," he stated.
"Our ideas are along with her household and buddies.
"We'll look ahead to a full report of the incident, together with the species of shark, from fisheries officers."