Oz-bound
backpacker travel insurance customers hoping to catch a glimpse of a great white might be disappointed unless the government does more to protect the country's shark population, a conservation charity has warned.
WWF-Australia has reminded the nation's tourism officials that the deadly sea creatures are worth more to the economy alive than dead.
The organisation's reef to rangelands policy manager Nick Heath said that while the popularity of shark tourism is rising, the species' population is falling.
The charity estimates reef shark populations are just three to 12 per cent of their original size in regularly fished areas.
"This is simply not good enough. We must do more to protect these top predators from disappearing on our watch, if not for the benefit of the environment, then at least for the benefit of the back pocket," added Mr Heath.
A recent report by water safety group Surf Life Saving revealed a large increase in shark encounters off popular beaches and urged swimmers to exercise more caution.
Check out Downunder's quote engine for
cheap travel insurance to Oz.
