Pictured: Spearfisher tragically killed in horrific shark attack on Queensland's Great Barrier Reef

By ASHLEY NICKEL, NEWS REPORTER, AUSTRALIA Published: 12:11, 25 May 2026 | Updated: 12:15, 25 May 2026 A spearfisher mauled to death by a shark in Far North Queensland has been identified as a local fishing enthusiast. Michael Jensz, 39, formerly lived near Hull Heads where he was tragically killed in a shark attack about midday on Sunday. He had reunited with friends from nearby Tully and was fishing at Kennedy Shoal Reef, 30km from the coast, when he was attacked by a suspected bull shark. Mr Jensz's friends had desperately rushed him back to shore but he couldn't survive the severe injuries to his head, the Cairns Post reported. Loved ones had gathered at his new home, which he shared with his partner, in Cairns on Monday but did not want to publicly comment on his death.  Mr Jensz's death has triggered widespread calls for a shark cull off the Far North Queensland coast. Fishermen have reported a rising 'mongrel' shark population, affecting catch loads and reducing the number of licenced trawlers able to operate in the area. However, James Cook University marine biology professor Jodie Rummer said that while Mr Jensz's death was devastating, a cull wasn't the answer. Michael Jensz (pictured with his partner) was tragically killed in a shark attack about midday on Sunday Mr Jensz (above) suffered fatal head injuries in an attack by a bull shark on Kennedy Shoal Reef 'From a scientific perspective, sharks are not targeting people,' she said. 'Their behaviour is driven by food availability, temperature, weather systems, and changing coastal conditions.' Instead, Dr Rummer urged authorities to increase monitoring, real-time alerts, non-lethal deterrents and education on shark-smart practices. Member for Barron River Bree James similarly sent condolences to Mr Jensz's loved ones but said the government didn't plan to cull.  'I just feel it's a really bad time to be talking about this sort of thing,' she said. 'But rest assured, our government will listen to what Queenslanders want and take whatever steps required.' No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook. Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content, marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy.