NZ considers protecting great white sharks

WELLINGTON, New Zealand, March 13 (UPI) -- The New Zealand government is reportedly considering joining other nations, including Australia and the United States, in protecting the great white shark.

New Zealand Conservation Minister Chris Carter has released a discussion document canvassing options for protecting what he calls "the celebrity predators of the ocean," TVNZ reported Monday. "They are an object of fear and fascination, but sadly there is growing evidence that this magnificent and rare species is in trouble internationally."

Carter said the great whites are often caught by mistake, their fins are sought in Asia, and trophy hunters will pay thousands for a great white.

Among actions being considered by the government, are fines of as much as $250,000 for deliberately killing a great white, TVNZ said.