Great white sharks presenting an “imminent” threat could be targeted by WA Department of Fisheries.

Australia’s Herald Sun reports that a shark mitigation plan unveiled by the Western Australian government includes $2 million allotted to “track, catch, and destroy sharks” that are found in close proximity to swimmers. Norman Moore, the Fisheries Minister, said the plan now calls for “proactive” measures in the event that large white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) present an “imminent” threat to people.

The government plan was announced in response to a spate of shark attacks, that have occurred in Western Australian waters over the span of ten months. Five of the attacks were fatal.

In addition to the “track, catch, and destroy” program, $2 million is also being allocated to GPS-based tracking programs, with another $2 million being added to a research fund over the course of four years. Funding for shark nets was not included in the program. The protective nets have been a source of controversy due to questions about their effectiveness, as well as, the fact that they indiscriminately trap and kill a wide range of marine wildlife.

For more information about the Western Australian shark mitigation plan, check out the full article at the Herald Sun.