Federal Government Considers Launching A Shark Cull

The government has signalled it would consider a shark cull on the NSW north coast.

This news comes in light of Monday's shark attack off the coast of Ballina, where Cooper Allen - a young surfer - defended himself against a great white shark. The 17-year-old's legs were mauled, but he is now recovering in hospital.

The NSW government has announced a three-month trial of shark-spotting drones for the area. It has also been reported that an additional eight drum lines will be deployed along the north coast.

Josh Frydenberg, Minister for the Environment, has said he's open to the proposal of culling great white sharks.

Speaking with the ABC, Frydenberg said, "I absolutely put human safety first and foremost in my mind," but mentioned a shark cull would need approval on a federal level due to the vulnerability of their species.

Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott is in favour of a shark cull.

"Because, frankly, if it's a choice between people and animals - I'm on the side of the people every time," he said.

Calls to implement shark culling tend to be renewed whenever there's a new attack.

Dr. Daniel Butcher, a senior lecturer in Marine Biology and Fishery Science at Southern Cross University said that it wouldn't solve anything.

Speaking to ABC Radio National, he said shark detection applications and smart drum lines would be preferred.

Currently, legislation prohibits great white sharks from being culled in NSW.

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