Family of Australian shark attack victim opposes shark cull in Tasmania

Family members of a man killed by a shark at the weekend in Tasmania have categorically opposed the idea of a shark cull in the area.

Damian Johnson, from Hobart, was diving for scallops with his daughter on Saturday morning when he was attacked by the shark in waters off Triabunna on Tasmania's east coast.

His daughter managed to pull Johnson from the shark's grip by his air hose, however he sustained fatal injuries before he could be met with medical attention.

Johnson is the seventh person to be killed by a shark in Australian waters over the last 18 months.

Local residents told the media that sharks that plague the area should be culled, but Johnson's family members have dismissed the plan, calling it "ridiculous".

Johnson's brothers-in-law, Andrew and David Paynter told the Nine Network on Monday that it was an awful tragedy but the sharks should not be culled.

"He loved the water, loved nature. I don't think he would want anyone to change the way they felt about what they were passionate about," David Paynter said.

Johnson was remembered by the pair as a "great bloke" and a " family man".

Local mayor Michael Kent said the area was not usually known for sharks, but local residents had reported sightings of a great white in the area in recent times.

"It was one or two days ago and a couple of divers say there was a shark and it brushed past them," he said on Sunday.

Police have advised locals to stay out of the water unless absolutely necessary, despite the opening of the busy scallop season in the region. Endi