Esperance Shark Attack: Family of Surfer Killed Speaks Out Against Cull
2025-03-12
ABC News (AU)
The family of Steven Jeffrey Payne, a surfer tragically killed in a shark attack on Western Australia's south coast, has spoken out against a shark cull, saying he understood the ocean's risks and wouldn't have supported such a measure. As a seasoned surfer, Payne was aware of the dangers that come with the sport, and his family believes he would have wanted to promote coexistence with marine life rather than culling. With shark attacks on the rise, the debate around culling continues to gain momentum, but for Payne's family, the focus should be on finding alternative solutions that prioritize both human and marine safety, including shark conservation and education initiatives.