Queensland rejects court ruling on Great Barrier Reef shark culls

The Queensland government has called on the federal government to change a law to allow it continue baiting and killing sharks in the Great Barrier Reef.

File photo Source: AAP

The Queensland government wants the federal government to change the law so it can continue baiting and killing sharks in the Great Barrier Reef.

It comes after the Queensland government lost a Federal Court appeal for the right to use baited hooks to catch and kill 19 shark species on the world's biggest coral reef.

The state government argues the move protects swimmers at 27 beaches within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

It was appealing the Administrative Appeals Tribunal's decision in April to uphold a Humane Society challenge to the measure.

Queensland Agriculture Minister Mark Furner says the baited hooks will be removed.

Queensland Agriculture Minister Mark Furner. Source: AAP

But he has also called on the federal government to make changes to federal legislation to allow the program to keep running.

Marine campaigners say the court decision is a win for sharks and say the government should scrap the practice of baiting and killing.