Is it illegal to kill great white sharks?

Answer 1

It depends on where you are.

The Great White Shark is considered vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation. International trade in Great White Sharks requires a permit. As a vulnerable species, it is not illegal to kill unless you are in one of the countries which gives full protection to the Great White Shark.

Great White Sharks are fully protected within 370 kilometres (200 nmi) of New Zealand and from fishing by New Zealand-flagged boats.

Great White Sharks are protected by the California Endangered Species Act which requires an Incidental Take Permit to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect any threatened or endangered species.

Great White Sharks are also protected by Namibia, Israel, Malta, Australia and South Africa.