Thousands of people held protests in Melbourne and Perth on Saturday. They called on the government of Western Australia (WA) to abandon or modify a controversial shark-culling plan.<br /><br />Last month the WA government announced a tender for fisherman to catch and kill any large Great White shark, a endangered and protected species, as well as Tiger or Bull sharks more than three metres long by using baited hooks. <br /><br />At least six people have been killed by sharks and several more attacked in the local waters since September 2011. The plan is being put in place to protect ocean users.<br /><br />“We’re better than killing wildlife in vengeance,” said one man gathered at the Melbourne rally. <br /><br />“We need to use the science that’s there, to work with the science that’s there, to learn to live with these creatures instead of culling them,” he added.<br /><br />Protesters claim killing sharks would devastate the marine ecosystem and the drum lines could harm animals like dolphins, turtles and fish.<br /><br />Sea Shepherd Australia managing director Jeff Hansen says sharks need to be protected, not destroyed.<br /><br />“When they kill a shark, they’re going to dump the body out to sea, once again bringing in more sharks. If anything, it’s going to make matters worse,” he said.<br /><br />More protests are planned for next month.
