Daniel Turpin named as diver killed in shark attack off Albany, WA

The family of a 35-year-old man who died after being bitten by a shark off WA's southern coast yesterday has described his deep respect for the ocean while thanking those who came to his aid.

Daniel Turpin had been spearfishing with family near Michaelmas Island, off the tourist town of Albany, when he was attacked about 11:20am local time.

He was met by paramedics after being raced back to shore but could not be revived.

In a statement, his family said he was "an adored husband, son, brother and uncle who had a lifelong love and deep respect for the ocean".

"Our family is devastated by this tragic loss and we are still coming to terms with what has happened," they wrote.

"Daniel brought enormous joy to the lives of those who knew and loved him, and he will be deeply missed.

"We would like to thank the emergency services personnel and all those who have offered their support and compassion during this incredibly difficult time."

Earlier, WA Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis offered her "heartfelt condolences" to Mr Turpin’s family and friends as well as first responders.

But she said there was nothing to suggest increased shark activity off the state’s coast, despite two spear fishers being fatally attacked within three weeks.

In mid-May, 38-year-old Steven Mattaboni was unable to be saved after being bitten off the coast of Rottnest Island, near Perth. 

Ms Jarvis described both deaths as a tragedy, but defended WA as having “one of the best shark hazard mitigation strategies in the world”.

“There is certainly no data or information that suggests there is increased shark activity any different from other years,” she said.

“Our job is to provide really good information, which we do, so that people can make informed decisions.”

Ms Jarvis said there had been 10 shark interactions with humans so far this year, compared with 19 last year.

Authorities said the state had tagged about 200 sharks, which can be detected by 38 monitoring network receivers along the coastline.

Local community reacts

The local MP for Albany, Scott Leary, said the incident was devastating for the town.

“We are a tight-knit community, everybody knows each other. I do know the parents,” he said.

Mr Leary urged people to be careful in the water, especially when conditions are as nice as they have been recently.

“My personal thought is selective culling, especially around populated areas, might be a solution,” he said. “[But] we need to be guided by the science.”

Albany commercial shark fisherman Brian Sell said he believed more fatalities were likely if shark populations were not controlled.

“I thought, well, it’s gonna happen because there’s more and more white pointers [great white sharks] around than there's ever been," he said.

Mr Sell said a cull of predatory sharks, in particular, was necessary.

“I’ve seen five last month. Normally, you know, you might see only a couple a year … [it's] only just the start of the season now,” he said.

This time of year was particularly risky, Mr Sell added, because nearby seal breeding attracted sharks to the area.

Ms Jarvis said she believed most people who went into the ocean would be aware of the risks, and effectively ruled out a cull.

“I don't think there's any evidence that culling sharks close to shore provides any additional safety,” she said.

Ms Jarvis also said she would speak to the spearfishing community to see if there was anything else the state government could do.

Graham Henderson, president of the Australian Underwater Federation, supported that idea.

"We need to actually make the general public and the recreational diver more aware of what things they can do to mitigate the risks of shark attack,” he told the ABC.

Mr Henderson said better science and data were needed to know if culls would be effective, but added that sharks “have a function to fulfil in the ocean”.

Albany Mayor Greg Stocks said he was deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life following the shark attack.

"As a close-knit community, news of such a devastating incident is felt deeply across our city, and our thoughts are with the family, friends and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time," he said.

"While no words can ease the grief that accompanies such a tragedy, I hope those affected can find strength and comfort in the support of family, friends and the wider community.

"I extend my sincere condolences to everyone impacted by this heartbreaking loss, and wish them strength in the times ahead."