Bodies change throughout life, and so should the way we nourish them. Fighting against these changes only breeds frustration. It’s far wiser to adapt and explore new approaches. Small adjustments can make a big difference in how each day feels.

Decoding Your Body’s New Instructions

Think of your metabolism as an old pickup truck stuck in second gear. It still runs, but it’s slower than before. Around your 60th birthday you might notice that the hearty meals you once enjoyed now linger in your stomach for hours.

At the same time your digestive system changes. Stomach acid levels drop making it harder to extract nutrients like B12, calcium and iron. Your taste buds lose sensitivity — salt tastes like sand, sugar barely whispers, and even family-favorite recipes feel flat.

Another invisible shift happens with muscle mass. Starting in your 30s — and accelerating after 60 — age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia) makes everyday tasks like carrying groceries or climbing stairs more challenging. Ironically your muscles now need more protein to maintain strength, even as your body needs fewer total calories.

Medications can complicate things further. Blood pressure pills can dull your appetite, antibiotics can leave a metallic taste, and some over-the-counter pain relievers interfere with nutrient absorption. These effects are often temporary but can make meal planning tricky.

The challenge? Pack more nutrition into smaller portions while navigating reduced appetite, changing taste and a slower digestive system.

Make Every Bite Count

Imagine your dinner plate as premium parking in a crowded city — space is limited, so only the best should make it in.

Nutritional Priorities

• Protein – Aim for 25–30 grams per meal to help preserve muscle mass.
• Calcium – About 1,200 mg daily from dairy, leafy greens, or fortified foods.
• Vitamin B12 – 2.4 mcg daily from fortified cereals or supplements.
• Fiber – 21–30 grams daily to aid digestion.
• Potassium – Plenty from fruits, vegetables, and legumes for heart health.

Pro tip: Spread protein evenly across the day — Greek yogurt at breakfast, lentils in a salad for lunch, almonds for a snack, and salmon or lean beef for dinner.

Stay Hydrated, Even If You Don’t Feel Thirsty

Your body still needs 6–8 glasses of fluid daily, but thirst cues can fade with age. Include water-rich foods like melon or grapes, sip herbal teas, and count soups toward your fluid intake.

Boost Flavor Without Salt

When everything tastes bland, skip the salt shaker and get creative:

• Fresh ginger to wake up taste buds.
• Cinnamon for warmth without sodium.
• Herbs like parsley or mint for brightness.
• A squeeze of lime or lemon to make flavors pop.
• Serve hot broths or chilled berries to vary temperature and stimulate appetite.

Get Your Food Mojo Back

Appetite can disappear overnight — sometimes due to medication, lack of activity or disrupted routines. This is especially true in end of life nutrition where thoughtful eating can bring comfort and help you stay strong even when your appetite is low. Here’s how to get interested in eating again:

• Create a cozy atmosphere – Use your favorite dishes, play soft music and eat near natural light.
• Go for mini-meals – Five small meals might be easier than three big ones.
• Make it social – Eat with friends, join senior dining programs or cook with family.
• Try new cuisines – Vietnamese, Moroccan or Greek food might spark your interest.
• Adapt your favorites instead of eliminating them – Modify recipes to suit your current needs.

Community dining programs are great for those living alone — they provide nutrition and companionship which can boost appetite and mood.

Practical Kitchen Safety for Continued Independence

A few simple adjustments can keep cooking safe and enjoyable:

• Improve lighting to prevent accidents.
• Store frequently used items between waist and shoulder height.
• Install a grab bar near the stove for stability.

These small changes are inexpensive yet can extend your years of confident cooking.

Healthy Eating on a Budget

Eating well doesn’t have to mean expensive shopping trips.

• Canned tuna or salmon – Affordable, protein-rich, and high in omega-3s.
• Frozen vegetables – Often more nutrient-dense than fresh produce shipped long distances.
• Bulk cooking – Make larger portions and freeze extras to save time and money.

Nutrition and Health Conditions

Managing chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or kidney disease requires dietary changes — but those adjustments don’t have to remove all enjoyment from food. A doctor or registered dietitian can tailor advice to your exact needs. Often, restrictions are less strict than expected, making it possible to enjoy favorite dishes in moderation.

Final Takeaway

Your body’s needs will continue to evolve, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the joy of eating. By listening to your body, prioritizing nutrient-rich foods, adapting cooking methods, and staying socially engaged, you can maintain both health and pleasure at the table.

Nutrition at any stage of life — especially in later years — is about finding the balance between what your body needs and what brings you comfort. A few mindful adjustments can turn every meal into an opportunity for nourishment and enjoyment.

Understanding what to expect when you bring your pet to the clinic for the first time can help you feel less anxious. You can also help your pet prepare to meet the vet, who will be responsible for keeping it healthy.

For first-time pet owners, here’s a guide on what to expect on your first vet visit. We’ll also discuss how to prepare your companion and what you should do after the visit.

Preparing for Your Visit to the Veterinary Clinic

It’s essential to be prepared before taking your pet to the vet for the first time so everything goes smoothly. Be ready to bring these items with you:

• Health Records: Bring your pet’s medical records, vaccination history, and, if applicable, adoption or breeder details. These documents will help the vet understand your pet’s medical history better.
• Medication List: List the medications, doses, and supplements your pet is taking.
• Food and Diet Details: Note your pet’s diet, including the pet food and treat brands, as well as its feeding schedule.
• Behavioral Observations: Take note of any concerning behaviors, such as appetite changes and activity levels, to discuss with your vet.
• Comfort Items: Pets can feel anxious when going to an unfamiliar place. To help them feel safe and secure, bring familiar items like a blanket or toys.

You can call the veterinary clinic in advance to know if you need to bring stool samples or if your pet needs to fast for any specific diagnostic tests.

Arriving at the Veterinary Clinic

Keep in mind that your pet might not be the only animal at the vet clinic. It’s ideal to arrive a bit earlier than the scheduled visit. This will give you and your pet time to adjust to the new environment before meeting the vet.

• Safety: Secure your pet using a carrier for small animals like cats. For larger animals like dogs, you should use a leash or body harness to comply with local regulations, such as in Dubai, where it’s illegal to have dogs outdoors without a lead.
• Etiquette: In case your pet might feel anxious, you should inform the clinic staff. You might have to wait in your car or outside to avoid making other pets in the waiting room feel anxious.
• Paperwork: If you’re visiting for the first time, you’ll need to fill out forms about your pet. Come to the clinic a few minutes early to allot time for this.

What to Expect During Your Pet’s First Checkup

During your first clinic visit, the veterinarian will do a comprehensive check-up on your pet to assess its health. The process may be different depending on the clinic’s standard operating procedures.

Physical Examination

During the first physical examination, the vet begins assessing your pet’s overall physical condition, including weight and temperature.

Then, the veterinarian will check its eyes, ears, mouth, coat, and teeth to see any visible signs of illness. Finally, your pet’s heart and lungs will be checked to assess any underlying health problems.

Vaccinations

For kittens and puppies, essential vaccinations will be administered by the vet. This is a standard procedure for the first dog or cat vet visit because, in some regions like Dubai, essential vaccines like rabies shots are mandated by the Dubai Municipality for all cats and dogs.

The veterinarian will then discuss a vaccination schedule for your pet that you should follow to ensure it’s well-protected from diseases.

Microchipping

Microchipping is another procedure your pet will undergo during its first visit. It’s a non-invasive procedure where a tiny chip, as small as a grain of rice, will be injected under your cat or dog’s skin.

You should know if there are any local regulations about this in your city, like in Dubai, where all cats and dogs are required to be registered with microchips. This is why most vet clinics in Dubai offer this service.

Spaying and Neutering

Your vet will also discuss spaying and neutering options for your pet. This is optional, and you’re not obligated to do it. However, you must consider the benefits of spaying and neutering before declining this procedure, which is available in most dog and cat vet clinics.

Parasite Management

Parasite preventive measures will also be discussed with you, especially if you have a pet that loves the outdoors.

The veterinarian will determine and recommend products and treatments, such as flea and tick medications and deworming, to help manage parasites.

Exercise and Dietary Advice

Depending on the physical assessment of your pet, your vet will suggest a diet plan. It will include a balanced diet for your pet’s breed, age, and current health status. Supplements might also be recommended.

You may also discuss exercise guidelines with the vet to help keep your pet active and healthy.

Behavioural Assessment

During the entire consultation, your vet will observe your pet’s behaviour and temperament. If your pet exhibits any concerning behaviours, the vet may also give advice regarding socialisation and training.

If you’re a cat owner, you can also ask questions regarding stretching behaviours and litter box habits so you can prevent problems at home.

Building a Relationship with Your Veterinarian

It’s ideal to build a strong relationship with your veterinarian, who will guide you in helping your pet live a long and happy life. Open communication with your vet will make you feel comfortable asking questions.

It would be ideal to choose an accessible veterinarian clinic close to your home. This will be more convenient for you and your pet when you go for regular check-ups and when you need emergency vet services.

What to Do After Your First Vet Visit

After your first veterinary clinic visit, you should follow your vet’s recommendations and instructions carefully. You must also keep these things in mind:

• Schedule Follow-Up Consultations: Your vet will recommend that you schedule a follow-up consultation. These check-ups are crucial, especially if you have a kitten, puppy, or recently adopted pet.
• Monitor for Signs of Illness: The vet might determine that your pet is in perfect shape. But always check for signs of illness or distress. When you notice any symptoms, contact the vet clinic immediately.
• Give Medications as Instructed: If the vet prescribes medications for your pet, make sure to follow the dosage given. You may ask your vet for a demo on giving medications like pills to your pet if you’re unsure how to do it.

A Positive First Vet Clinic Visit Experience

The first veterinary clinic visit should be a memorable experience for you and your pet. It shouldn’t be stressful or traumatising.

By being well-prepared, you can ensure that your pet’s first vet visit is comfortable. Remember to create a strong relationship with your veterinarian, follow their advice and guidance, and be attentive to your pet’s needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Veterinary Clinics

What is a veterinary clinic?

A veterinary clinic or vet clinic is a facility where animals are given medical health care services. These services include physical check-ups, vaccinations, diagnostic tests, emergency treatments, and surgeries.

What is a veterinary doctor?

A veterinary doctor is often called a veterinarian or vet. This medical professional is trained and certified to diagnose, treat, and prevent illnesses in animals.

What does veterinary care do?

Veterinary care involves all medical services that maintain or improve an animal’s overall health and well-being.

What is a vet treatment?

A vet treatment is a medical care given by a veterinarian to treat an animal’s health issues. This may include prescribing medications, offering emergency care, and performing surgeries.

What to say to a veterinarian?

During a vet consultation, explaining the symptoms and behavioural concerns you have observed before the vet visit may be helpful. Some example questions can be, “How much exercise does my pet need?” or “What dental care do you recommend for my pet?”.

Image source: noblevetclinic.com

Many households today are spending so much more energy than they’ve been doing so in the past. This fact is an inherent change brought about by the coming in of more and more advancements in technology. When it comes to your home life, however, it’s often difficult turn a blind eye on using those technological advancements to your advantage. Not only do they make running your household easier, but you can be more efficient and productive with your time as well.

But, this comes with a caveat. The more you depend on these gifts of technology, it also means that your energy consumption will soar. The two greatest effects have to do with burning a hole in your monthly budget, and becoming less environmentally-friendly at all. When your finances and sustainability seem out of control, then it’s time to create changes in the way you manage and operate your household.

To help you get started, here are seven energy-saving changes you can implement in your household:

1. Switch To Renewable Energy Sources

If your home still greatly relies on non-renewable sources, then it’s about time to invest in switching to non-renewable energy sources from your reliable Texas solar energy company, or any company where you’re from. You can opt for what’s strongest and best where you are, but in places where you’ve got abundant sunlight, you can’t go wrong with solar energy.

Doing so may mean quite an expense at the moment, but in the long run, you’re saving so much when you no longer have to pay for your usual utility bill. Especially if you know that in your household, you use up a lot of energy-using appliances and other gadgets, then this is a worth-it change to have.

There are many benefits of switching to renewable energy sources for your household, and these include:

• It’s an affordable way to manage your household. When you think about the present, it’ll cause you money to have solar energy installed. But, in the long run, when you think about how you no longer have to pay for your energy bill (or perhaps only the minimum), then you’ve just found one of the most cost-efficient and affordable ways of managing your household.
• It increases your home’s value. Given that so many homeowners today prefer homes that are solar-powered, because your home is now one of those, its value will significantly increase. This is a big advantage for you should you decide to one day, sell your home.
• It doesn’t succumb to power interruptions. If you live in an area where power interruptions are getting more frequent, then you know how much of a pain in the neck that can be.

Especially as of late when working from home and homeschooling children is the norm,      you’ll want to keep your home protected from power interruptions, as much as you can. Because you’re no longer relying on the conventional energy grid, you’re not dependent on those energy companies should they have to shut off energy supply for the day for scheduled and emergency repairs.

2. Replace Your Lightbulbs

If you haven’t already, then every time a light bulb no longer functions, change it to more energy-efficient, LED options. Off the shelf, these energy-efficient light bulbs are going to cost you more. But, they last longer and also consume lesser energy. So the long-term savings will definitely make that initial expense worth it.

Three of the most common examples of energy-efficient light bulbs include:

• Halogen incandescent bulbs;
• Light-emitting diode bulbs (LED);
• Compact fluorescent lights (CFLs).

3. Turn Your Refrigerator Down

Particularly if you’ve got a big fridge, this can also mean higher consumption of energy. You can make your fridge and freezer consume less energy by keeping the temperature at its optimal levels. This means keeping the freezer on 3 degrees F and setting your fridge to 37 degrees F.

Along this line, there are also other ways by which you can keep your fridge’s energy consumption down. Some of these tips include:

• Replace the door’s rubber seal. As your refrigerator gets older, the rubber seal will also start to wear off. This rubber seal plays a very important role in preventing unwanted air to seep in and out of the fridge. As this rubber seal wears down, your fridge will have to work harder to keep the temperature at optimum levels. This can increase your fridge’s energy consumption, and also lower your fridge’s lifespan.
• Clean up the condenser coils. Another commonly neglected part of your fridge are the condenser coils. These play a very important role, as it removes warmth from your fridge. Once it gets dusty, however, it can’t function as efficiently as it should, also resulting in increased energy consumption.
• Keep the doors closed. This may seem like an obvious tip, but especially when you’ve got kids at home, you may not be aware of how often you close and open the fridge doors. Every time you open your fridge door, cold air goes out and hot air comes in. Once you close the door, your fridge will have to use up more energy for it to keep it’s required and intended temperature.

Be strategic about every time you open your fridge door. This means getting all that you need for preparing the meals all at once, so you won’t have to keep opening it as frequently.

4. Seal All Your Windows

When was the last time you thought about keeping your windows well-sealed? Over time, your windows’ condition may deteriorate as well. This deterioration has to do with the quality of the window’s sealing.

It’s important to keep the window’s sealing in good working condition, so it can trap the heat or cool air coming from your HVAC system. Otherwise, if the air on the inside mixes with the outside hair through the gaps, then your HVAC system will need to run itself stronger just to keep the temperature in what you’ve set it to do.

An inexpensive way to seal your windows is to consider weatherstripping it. It’s as simple as adding silicone caulk over any gaps and holes, so as to keep these sealed and closed.

5. Install A Smart Thermostat

You don’t need to keep your air conditioner or heaters running in the exact same temperature as when you’re at home and when you’re out in the office, for instance.

Whenever you go out, make it a point to lower the temperature, as there isn’t anyone left at home anyway. If you can’t remember doing this all by yourself, you can now opt to have a smart or programmable thermostat installed. This automatically remember to alter the temperature or to turn it off, whenever you leave your home.

With your smart or programmable thermostat, you’re able to strategically eliminate energy wastage, particularly when you aren’t even at home.

6. Do Full Loads

When it comes to your washing machine and dryer, another way to reduce energy consumption is to do full loads. This means not running both machines until they’re full. By doing so, you’re able to maximize the energy that both your washing machine and dryer will consume, just to get it running.

Apart from doing full loads, here are other sneaky ways on how you can reduce the energy consumption of your dishwasher and washing machine:

• Air dry dishes and clothes. If the weather permits it, it’s more energy-efficient to open your kitchen windows to let more air in and allow your dishes to air dry. As for your clothes, use the dryer less frequently and hang them on the clothes line to air dry after washing as well.

Air is a natural resource and won’t cause you anything to air dry, rather than run the machines longer to use their drying functions.

• Consider upgrading to newer models. If you’ve still got an old model at home, then it’s a good investment as well to upgrade to a newer model. Many new models of dishwashers and washing machines have energy-efficient features that reduce energy usage each time you run a load.

7. Unplug Appliances When Not In Use

If there are appliances that aren’t in use, then tuck them away and unplug them. The same holds true for cellphone and other gadget chargers. Any device that’s plugged in but not in use are also referred to as energy vampires. You may not be aware of it, but those devices that are plugged and not even in use can be consuming energy. It may not make so much of an effect for a single device, but when taken collectively, it does have an impact.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are so many ways for you to implement energy-efficient changes in your home. These range from simple changes in your habit and behavior, to extensive but long-term changes and investments for your home. Whatever changes you decide to implement in your home, it all leads to one effect: saving money on your electricity bill. You don’t have to hurt your monthly budget by paying way more than you ought to, when you know of many ways to lower your energy consumption. Take it one change at a time, and soon enough, you’ll notice the difference when your bill comes out smaller as well.

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#1. Gain Relevant Qualifications:

If you are the type of person who enjoys learning new things, setting your mind to doing something new, and continuously improving your skills, then the construction industry could be perfect for you as there’s always something new that you can learn and various skills that you can work on or develop. For example, you could take this ZOTA Professional course in lead certification for contractors, which will ensure that you are safe on the job where lead paint is present and can complete tasks efficiently and safety for the client, even if there are risks involved. Look into the various ways in which you can improve your skills; the best part about many contractor learning programs is that they can easily be incorporated into your work or fit around it.

#2. Become a Master in Your Field:

Joining professional organizations such as the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) or the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) can provide access to exclusive events and resources. Attend industry conferences, seminars, and trade shows to meet like-minded individuals and stay updated on industry trends. Additionally, exploring diverse opportunities, such as cultural exchange programs like those offered by www.goaupair.com, can enhance your interpersonal skills and broaden your perspective, making you a more versatile candidate in the construction industry. Building a strong professional network can open doors to new job opportunities and partnerships.

#3. Improve Your Professional Contacts:

You may think of networking as being for business professionals rather than builders, but the truth is that improving your field of professional contacts can be useful for just about any industry. And due to the nature of construction where you may be regularly working on sites with other contractors, networking is often easier than you might think and can certainly be done on the job. Not only can you get advice and guidance from your network, but building strong relationships can improve your chances of being considered when a new position becomes available.

#4. Be Open to Various Positions:

The construction industry is one where there is a wide and varied amount of positions available. Finally, being open to both temporary and permanent positions will allow you to work on a range of multifaceted projects, acquire a wide and diverse range of valuable construction skills, and increase your professional value while making a name for yourself in the industry locally and beyond.

Did you find these tips useful? We’d love to hear from you in the comments.

Australia is no stranger to shark attacks. Its temperate and nutrient-rich coastal waters have long been the favoured hunting grounds of some 36 percent of all known shark species.

So, when a 46-year-old woman was attacked in the Whitsundays, Queensland by a suspected Tiger Shark, it was little more than fodder for news outlets. But, when a second attack occurred in the same area not more than 24 hours later, some people thought this may be the emergence of a frightening trend.

The Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries soon had the area filled with 3 baited drum lines. And within several days had indiscriminately caught and killed 6 sharks found in the area, including Tiger Sharks and a Black Tip Shark.

“It is unclear if [the sharks] were responsible for injuries caused to two swimmers this week,” a statement from Department of Agriculture and Fisheries read.

The Queensland Fisheries response soon overshadowed the earlier attacks. Environmentalists and regular citizens alike criticised the basis and goal of the knee-jerk culling campaign which had become publically bloody and confronting through social media.

Indeed, the more public the cull became, the more people it appalled. The government’s actions brought light to a systemic history of scientifically unfounded and knee-jerk responses to sensitive and complex issues. Furthermore, it raised a frightful proposition:

If culling and the devices that underpin the action are without merit, why have state governments utilised it so widely?

Shark culls are scientifically oppositional

Shark attacks tend to hold our attention because they impinge on our primal fears. This fear is magnified when an event suggests an emerging trend that could have wider consequences, as the Whitsundays attacks did. But, during these times it is important to remain grounded in the facts – this situation is extraordinary though not unprecedented.

In Western Australian, for example, without known cause, shark attacks doubled in a six-month period in 2017. The next year, 2 shark attacks occurred within a day of each other, twice and in the same month. Both cases are believed to be the outcome of freak circumstances, such as the presence a large school of fish in the area.

For the moment, what caused the rapid succession of the Whitsundays attacks is unknown. Regardless of whether it was down to the presence of some external forcing or simply a case of unfortunate coincidence, a shark cull was the chosen response.

“While shark control equipment does not provide an impenetrable barrier between swimmers and sharks, it is effective in reducing the overall number of sharks in the area, making it a safer place to swim,” stated Jeff Krause, the shark cull Program Manager.

The Queensland Fisheries have repeatedly affirmed their support for the use of drum lines in shark culling as a pre-emptive safety measure. Though this has drawn harsh criticism from most independent scientific bodies who have chosen to speak on the issue.

The problem is simple – perception. Proponents of drum lines often favour it on the appeal of its simplicity. Fewer sharks should equal fewer attacks. Logically, it makes sense. But, it does not pan out this way. This is because a cull in general has no positive influence on public safety, yet alone drum lines, which act as indiscriminate killers of sea life.

During the years 1959-76, a Hawaii-based culling program sanctioned the killing of more than 4500 sharks in an effort to curve growing shark attacks. By its conclusion the Hawaii Institute for Marine Biology and the state’s Department of Land and Natural Resources declared the whole program ‘ineffective’ because it had no influence on shark populations and attacks.

Though, more often than not, it is impossible to devise a definitive conclusion on the efficacy of culling’s benefit for public safety. Shark attacks are such rare events that differentiating between random coincidence and underlying patterns is fraught with difficulty.

The problem is that shark bite numbers can lie. They lie in three ways. First, shark bites are discrete, random events that do not look random. Second, clusters of shark bite incidents are misleading. And third, we only count when human-shark interactions occur, not when they don’t. – Christopher Pepin-Neff

This highlights a gap in our understanding of shark attacks. We do not yet know the best way to address human-shark interactions. But, history has revealed much of what does not work.

Techniques that utilise drum lines and nets often harbour negative externalities for the broader environment, including indiscriminate high non-target species catch rates; high mortality rates; undermining scientific research that plays a fundamental aspect in public safety; promotes food web collapses, such as the 1970s North Carolina scallop decline; has no evidence that it translates to public safety; et cetera.

A 2014 submission to the Western Australia Government regarding its culling programme, contained the signatories of 301 scientists whom affirmed the scientific communities position that there is no scientific evidence to support the culling of sharks.

To say that something is ‘scientifically unfounded’ suggests there is a lack of evidence to provide direction on an issue. To label something as ‘scientifically oppositional’ means that there is evidence suggesting that an action being undertaken will fail to have its desired outcome. Shark culling is scientifically oppositional. 

“[Shark culls are] not even a false sense of safety, it’s actually a placebo.”

-Jonathan Clarke of Sea Shepherd Australia

Studies have revealed the futility of shark culls. The Australian Government has acknowledged the inferiority and arbitrary selection of this response. Humans oppose these actions on moral grounds and as little more than a speciesism killing spree. So, why are the Queensland Government culling sharks? 

The politicising of shark attacks 

It seems to be a common theme in years gone-by: when a desperate situation emerges, people look to their representatives for answers. The representatives, keen to bolster their image in the publics eyes, engage in hasty actions designed to quell the concerns of the masses and win their favour.

Only, there is no action that can guarantee another shark attack does not occur. (Indeed, alternative technologies like shark shield are still in their infancy and non-lethal approaches like shark spotting are seldom applicable along Australia’s coastline). But, this is not the goal of the action. The goal, in recognition of the scientific communities intensifying opposition to culling, is to pacify the masses and restore or maintain voter confidence.

“Can you imagine the public outcry if anything else happened in that region during school holidays, if the department of fisheries took no action,” Queensland Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk, following the Whitsundays shark attacks.

In terms of public safety, taking no action would have the equivalent benefit of a cull, just with fewer victims. The Queensland fisheries and the states ministers are well-informed on the scientific consensus on shark culls, including the use of drum lines – every review has recommended against their use or at least suggested there is not enough evidence to suggest they have any benefit to public safety.

Where these tactics succeed is in perception. They maintain a symbolic status that capitalises on the primal fear of these predators. So often the debate whittles down to a single emotion-driven question: humans or sharks? The decision to cull is to take a stand with your fellow man. The long history of their use in Australia has engrained the perception that these tactics buffer public safety. When a politician enacts a cull, it is an imposition for humans.

This mentality feeds the Queensland Governments current stance. They not only view their actions as virtuous, but obligatory by virtue of the sanctity of human life.

“While of course we will never know if any of the sharks caught would have harmed a person, this government will always place greatest value on human life,”Western Australia’s Fisheries Minister Ken Baston speaking on the regions shark cull.

This is a far simpler position to take than the alternative: recognising the failings of culls, upselling personal responsibility and taking associated action. As is the name of politics, this would open the door to all manner of misanthropic libel of your name and stances.

Few politicians are willing to cast dispersions on their public image and risk their lucrative position for the sake of saving a few sharks; for the sake of doing what’s right. No amount of science is going to change this, until it can offer something better than this placebo.