Earlier this year the Western Australian Labor government took a promise to the forthcoming election: If they won power they'd subsidise all scientifically proven shark deterrent devices.

Since 2000, 15 people have been killed by sharks with approximately three times that many people surviving an attack. It's become a hot button in the west, hence the political interest.

In March the Labor government won power and they swiftly made good on their promise: As of 26th May people could claim a $200 rebate on shark deterrents.

There were just two qualifications. Firstly, the device had to be scientificaly proven, and secondly, the rebate was only available to the first 1,000 people.

As of yesterday 630 people have taken up the rebate offer, and every one of them has been for a Shark Shield Freedom 7 - a device designed primarily for divers (see image below).

Shark Shield have the monopoly on the rebate because the Freedom 7 has been available since the offer began and it's still the only device that meets the testing criteria.

Fisheries Minister Dave Kelly said ,“the University of Western Australia carried out research into the Shark Shield Freedom 7 device and found it works nine out of 10 times against great white sharks."

There are other products on the market, including various Shark Shield products, one designed specifically for surfers, yet they're currently unavailable for the rebate.

However, the WA government is optimistic about their inclusion: "It is hoped that additional personal shark deterrent devices will be added to the Shark Deterrent Rebate in the coming months."

Lyndsay Lyon of Shark Shield is also optimistic. "A team at Flinders University led by Dr Charlie Huveneers is currently testing the Freedom + Surf".

Unfortunately for surfers awaiting approval so they can claim the rebate, the testing has been delayed. "The team has been on site at the Neptunes but there are no whites out there," said Lyon. "They're simply not there."

Yet even if the offer ends before a surf-specific device gets approved, the government is leaving the door open for further assistance.  "Once all 1,000 rebates have been claimed as part of this trial, we will undertake a review of the program and consider providing similar opportunities in the future as more devices receive independent verification."