Pros And Cons Of Culling Sharks

The Western Australian government policy of culling sharks to ensure greater public safety, has caused nationwide debate, which is reflected in media texts through different views on the controversial measure. Dr Euan Ritchie, in his opinion piece, “predators such as sharks essential for world’s health” (Herald Sun 28/1/14), points out to his Victorian readers who may not be informed on the issue or support the cull that the killing of sharks is a dangerous and irrational practice that should be abandoned. Likewise, Horacek’s cartoon which may be aimed at those sympathetic for sharks, illustrates a similar view point to Ritchie, in that the cull is unjustified and politically motivated. On the contrary, the editorial (Australian 29/1/14) in addressing the issue to readers or activists opposed to the cull, argues in support of the government’s actions.
Ritchie begins his opinion piece by expressing concern over cull, highlighting the negative impacts it has on the ecosystem and the ocean’s food chain. Ritchie claims that sharks like many other predators, are “critical …show more content…
The editorial highlights that while “the controls are not foolproof” they have saved “many human lives”. The use of evidence facilitates that editorial in giving the reader an abundance of reasons to side with them, while also solidifying their contention. The reader is made to believe that if it had proven effective before in saving human lives, then it should not be stopped now. The editorial then goes on to glorify the effectiveness of the shark cull through the use of praise. They claim that since the control was introduced in Queensland 53 years ago, “there has been one fatality at a controlled beach”. By praising the effectiveness of the cull, the editorial reminds the readership think that if such a technique is able to save human lives then it should not be