Shark expert says Tony Abbott ‘doesn’t understand the science’ after former PM calls for cull

A shark behaviour expert stated that former Prime Minister Tony Abbott "doesn't understand the science" following Abbott's call for a shark cull after an attack at a Sydney beach. Leah Stewart, a 35-year-old mother, was in critical but stable condition on Monday after sustaining leg and arm injuries from a suspected great white shark on Saturday morning. The expert's comments highlight a divergence in opinion regarding shark management strategies, with scientific understanding being contrasted with calls for culling in response to incidents. The article also suggests that drone technology might have prevented the Saturday attack at Coogee beach, indicating a potential role for advanced surveillance in mitigating such events. This incident and the subsequent debate underscore the ongoing challenges in balancing public safety with marine conservation efforts and understanding shark behaviour.