Shark attacks in Australia have fallen to their lowest level since 2008.
The University of Florida's annual International Shark Attack File (ISAF) found the 10 shark attacks in Australian waters in 2013 are the lowest annual total since nine in 2008, and are lower than the 12.3 average attacks per year during the past 10 years (2003-2012).
Australia's two fatalities in 2013 are in line with its 1.4 yearly average over the same time period.
ISAF curator George Burgess slammed the Western Australian government's shark cull.
"Even if one ignores that an endangered species is involved, the archaic reaction can only be characterised as revenge killings," Burgess said.
"Although infrequent, shark attacks are high-profile events that excite the emotions of human beings and often impact a community.
"Killing 10 sharks after a death is not the answer as it does not result in reduced attacks.
Western Australia, with six deaths in past four years, and Reunion Island in the southwest Indian Ocean, with five deaths in three years, remain "shark-attack hot spots", according to the ISAF.
Overall, the world experienced the lowest number of shark attacks since 2009, although last year's 10 fatalities were above average.
The US had the most attacks, 47, but it was lower than the 2012 total of 54.
