More than 20 years after being declared off-limits to hunters, giant saltwater crocodiles may soon be in their sights again.

The crocodiles, which can grow up to 7 meters (23 feet) long, became a protected species throughout Australia in 1971, after hunting led to a sharp decline in their numbers.

Now that the population is thriving again, government officials suggested in a report published Tuesday that hunters should be allowed to shoot a small number each year to boost tourism.

``Trophy hunting of crocodiles will add greatly to their financial benefits because of the potential international clients they can attract,'' the report by Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife said.

Saltwater crocodiles lurk in rivers throughout northern Australia and in the sea. They regularly attack and sometimes kill people swimming in their territory.

But they are also a major tourist drawcard to the rugged region, with thousands of visitors flocking to the famous Kakadu wetlands each year hoping for a glimpse _ from the safety of a large boat _ of one of the prehistoric giants.

The plan to allow the hunt, which was opened for public discussion, said only 25 crocodiles over 4 meters (13 feet) in length would be shot each year. Thousands live in the region.

Even such limited hunting would boost the coffers of impoverished Aboriginal landowners in the remote area, who could charge marksmen to hunt on their land.

``In the simplest case of a landowner granting access to lands to a safari operator, the financial benefit will be a negotiated access fee and/or a daily payment for use of the land for hunting,'' the report said.

``Major benefits will accrue to landowners, particularly Aboriginal landowners, who currently run their own pig and buffalo safari hunting operations.''

Imported buffalo and pigs roam throughout northern Australia, and are considered pests because of the environmental damage they wreak.

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