Two of Australia’s most popular beaches, Bondi and Bronte in Sydney, could soon undergo a major change. On Tuesday night councillors responsible for the beach voted unanimously in favour of having the government’s controversial shark nets removed from the coastline.
Critics say the nets, which sit approximately 300 metres out to sea, are outdated and ineffective devices that give swimmers a false sense of security. Nets are just six metres high, so when they are erected offshore at a depth of 10 metres, sharks are simply able to swim over them.
Instead of catching large sharks they more often entangle non-target species, including dolphins. Conservation groups have welcomed the vote by Waverley Council to instead focus on three newer technologies to keep swimmers safe — drones, SMART drumlines and tagged listening stations. The change is dependent on approval by the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI), and there will be no change in the council’s shark net policy for this summer.
Related: Aussie fisherman brought to tears after shock catch in shark net
Humane Society International (HSI) marine biologist Lawrence Chlebeck told Yahoo News the vote was “very good news” and he hoped other councils would follow.
HSI analysis shows there have been three summers without the nets at Bondi having caught a single target shark. “As if to underscore how pointless the nets are, so far this season the nets at Bondi… have entangled two critically endangered grey nurse sharks, and a Port Jackson shark, all harmless to beachgoers,” Chlebeck added.
While Waverley Council beaches are a playground for human visitors, dolphins who swim close to shore can face being killed by shark nets. Source: Michael Dahlstrom
The vote came in response to an undertaking by the NSW Government to consult with councils around the state about the use of shark mitigation devices. The government has indicated it is open to listening to local communities about the continued use of shark nets, and Tuesday’s vote will result in a submission to the state government.
Some changes have already begun since Labor took office, with nets removed one month earlier than usual to reduce the risk of killing endangered sea turtles during the April nesting season. In Queensland they are kept in the water year-round, frequently snaring migrating whales.
“We all know that shark nets do not reduce the risk of shark bite, but it’s still a common belief in our communities. And dispelling those myths is very difficult,” Chlebeck said.
“It’s our job and the government’s job to educate the community about what they can and can’t do.”
A Waverley Council spokesperson has told Yahoo News the DPI has advised Council that “SMART drumlines are the most effective tool for catching target sharks, while minimising the catch of non-target animals, and maximising the survival of all animals”.
“Council highlighted that the removal of shark nets is conditional however on the significant increased use of drones and SMART drumlines at Waverley LGA beaches which would increase the safety of all beach users,” the spokesperson told Yahoo.
Critics of shark nets have campaigned against the devices, arguing they’re ineffective. Source: Sea Shepherd Australia
Bondi drone operator celebrates shark net vote
In NSW, shark nets are placed along beaches between Wollongong, Sydney and Newcastle, which are used by an estimated five million people a year. The devices are removed during the winter months when fewer people swim.
The state’s shark mitigation program is estimated to cost $21.5 million over the 2024/2025 season, funds are also used for SMART drumlines, drones and education about beach safety. Shark bites are rare at netted beaches and so there is some community support for them.
Bondi local Jason Iggleton, who uses a drone to monitor marine life around Bondi Beach, was at the council meeting on Tuesday night, and spoke in favour of their removal. While there have been few shark bite incidents at netted beaches around the state, he argues they provide little protection for swimmers.
“Once people know that nets aren’t a complete barrier, and sharks can just swim around them, they think what’s the point,” he later told Yahoo.
A dolphin was found dead in a NSW government shark net off Bronte Beach. Source: Mother Ocean Freediving
Shark nets having ‘worrying’ impact on endangered marine life
Australian Marine Conservation Society shark expert Dr Leonardo Guida said, the risk of catching endangered and critically endangered species was a major concern for researchers.
“With the grey nurse shark already at grave risk of extinction in NSW and the catch of marine turtles rising, the continued use of shark nets is putting enormous pressure on the local populations,” he said.
“We hope other councils will follow Waverley Council’s lead and listen to the science and end the use of shark nets, and enact measures that reduce the risk of shark bites without impacting other ocean wildlife.”
Over the coming weeks, other councils around NSW are set to vote on whether they would also prefer not to have shark nets at their beaches.
The Waverley Council vote came after the responsible minister, Tanya Moriarty, said she wanted to see mitigation programs working for the communities they operate in. “As we map the future of this program we will listen to local communities, and consider the best available evidence to ensure we are striking the right balance at our beaches,” she said in July.
The Department of Primary Industries has been contacted for comment.
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