Great white sharks are often feared but are actually declining species facing threats from targeted fishing, bycatch, and shark net programs that cause significant welfare harm.
Drum lines and shark nets cause entanglement and drowning, affecting not just white sharks but many non-target species. Hook injuries from drum lines cause suffering and infection. Finning causes prolonged drowning. Bycatch in longlines is significant. Cage diving with food attractants may habituate sharks to human-associated feeding, creating conflict. Public perception as dangerous predators makes protection politically difficult.