New Caledonia's customary Senate has denounced last week's government decision to remove bull sharks and tiger sharks from the list of protected species.
Photo: 123RF / Oliver Petschner
The Southern Province made the decision to allow culling them after an increase in the number of shark attacks, mainly in the Noumea area.
The Province's president Sonia Backes justified the move, saying since 2013 when the sharks gained protection, there have been 23 attacks.
Tiger shark Photo: 123rf.com
However, the customary Senate said there is no scientific report justifying the slaughter of these species, which are important in Kanak and Pacific culture.
It said for some tribes they are part of totems.
The Senate has also expressed dismay that it was not consulted as the matter pertains to Kanak identity.
Environmentalists have also criticised the new policy.