Probably not white pointer
I SHOULD be grateful for an opportunity to respond to the letter headlined, 'Scientists prove Vic right', which appeared in the South China Morning Post, August 23.
We would certainly not dispute (and I do not think that we ever have disputed) that there is good evidence that white pointer sharks undertake seasonal migrations and may seasonally revisit a favourite site for several years. This has been known for many years.
What is at issue, however, is whether it is in fact a white pointer shark (or sharks) that is responsible for the recent attacks in Hong Kong.
Good cases can also be made for the species responsible being either the tiger or bull shark. These species have different behaviour patterns.
We hope that we will be undertaking work in the coming months that will give us a clearer idea of which species is likely to be involved in the Hong Kong attacks which in turn will lead to better informed advice to the public on measures to avoid shark attacks.
R.M. CARTLAND for Secretary for Recreation and Culture
