Shark Culling Given Go Signal; Abbott Gov't Exempts Western Australia From Environmental Laws

Western Australia is given the green light to undertake its plans of catching and killing sharks in its popular beaches. But the Humane Society has described the move as a "complete disgrace" as the federal government granted the state of Australia an exemption from environmental laws.

The state is currently free to implement the shark cull advocating claim to reduce the number of shark attacks in its waters. According to the government, there have been six deadly shark attacks in the past two years.

Shark culling will mean using baited drum lines with specially designed hooks to catch large sharks. The drum lines can be set at least 1 kilometer from the shoreline of Western Australia from Jan. 22 to April 30.

Western Australia previously reported sharks longer than 10 feet or 3 meters will be captured and treated as a threat. The Great White, tiger and bull sharks caught on the lines will be killed "humanely."

Australia's Environment Minister Greg Hunt said people should take necessary precautions when swimming, surfing or boating. Referring to Western Australia's exemption from environmental laws, Hunt added some shark attacks have brought a series of tragedies. He noted there was evidence to prove a significant increase in shark-related incidents in West Australia.

Hunt claimed the shark cull proposal would run for a brief trial period and limited to beaches with the highest risk to shark attacks. He reminded those who opposed the shark cull that they don't have to agree with the need to exempt Western Australia from environmental laws to uphold public safety.

According to the Humane Society, the federal government's decision goes against Australia's international commitment to protect shark species like the great white shark.

Humane Society International's Alexia Wellbelove called the move shameful and lacked a scientific approach to the issue. She said the exemption only proves the federal government's lack of concern for endangered species, including international obligations.

Australia's West Coast has been described by local marine scientists as the most dangerous shark attack zone in the world. The shark culling plan was proposed following the deadly attack of a surfer in Lefthanders Beach in November 2013.