Shark attacks may jeopardize protected status

In the wake of several deaths, shark attacks are prompting Australia to reconsider the predators' protection status.

Western Australia's fisheries minister Norman Moore wants to review the issue after a fifth fatal attack in less than a year killed a 24-year-old surfer on Saturday.

(SOUNDBITE)(English) WESTERN AUSTRALIA'S FISHERIES MINISTER, NORMAN MOORE SAYING:

"I want to find out from the Federal Government whether they are of the view that we might need to re-look at the issue of these sharks being a protected species."

But environmentalists criticize the response.

(SOUNDBITE)(English) WILDERNESS SOCIETY MARINE CAMPAIGNER JENITA ENEVOLDSEN, SAYING:

"We shouldn't take them off the protected species list because we are having larger interaction with them. We need to figure out why that is, do more research and educate our population."

Despite the potential threat, surfers and others continue to enjoy Australia's beaches.

(SOUNDBITE)(English) SURFER MICHAEL WADDELL, SAYING:

"There's always a little bit in the back of your mind but when do you go back, you know, how long do you stay out for when there's good waves and the kids are having fun?"

Sharks have been protected in Australian waters for more than 20 years.

Lindsey Parietti, Reuters