Marine conservationists say it’s now up to the NSW government to “take the next step and enact a plan” to officially “end the use of shark nets” in the state, after seven coastal councils voted against the return of the controversial devices.
Shark nets are used at a total of 51 beaches along the NSW coast from Newcastle to Wollongong as part of the state’s shark meshing program, which has been in place since 1937.
On Tuesday night, The City of Newcastle council voted to remove shark nets from beaches across its local government area, joining six other NSW councils — Wollongong, Sutherland, Waverley, Northern Beaches, Central Coast, and Lake Macquarie — in rejecting their use.
It’s now just Randwick that has yet to decide, with a vote scheduled for late February. Lawrence Chlebeck, marine biologist with Humane Society International (HSI), Australia has long campaigned for shark nets to be prohibited in the state.
He spoke to Yahoo News Australia and explained why the movement is finally picking up steam, and what’s next from here. “We are hopeful that the results of these consultations, and the wealth of data showing just how much more effective new technologies are, rings the death knell — this time not for wildlife, but for the shark nets,” Chlebeck told Yahoo News Australia.
Shark nets are used at a total of 51 beaches along the NSW coast from Newcastle to Wollongong. Source: NCA Newswire
Why is NSW being urged to outlaw the use of shark nets?
He said the results of these council consultations will now go back to the state government and from there it “really remains to be seen”.
“We’ve heard that all options are on the table. The NSW government delayed a decision on the shark nets at the beginning of last season, citing the need for more data and community consultation. Now they’ve got it, and the communities have spoken. Time to take the next step and enact a plan to end the use of shark nets in NSW.”
Chlebeck said shark nets “kill hundreds of marine animals each year” including dolphins, turtles, rays, and even whales, seals and little penguins. “Ending their use will not only save these animals from a horrific death, but also signals a change in the way we address public safety and coexist within the ocean environment,” he said.
“We have the technology to reduce the risk of shark bite without killing wildlife — it’s in place and effective right now — it’s time to ditch the nets.”
Turtles are also often victims of shark nets. Photo: Instagram/TheSharkNetFilm
Aussies largely unfazed by sharks in the ocean
Public sentiment in NSW has increasingly favoured the removal of shark nets from the state’s beaches in recent times. Conservationists and local communities have voiced growing concerns about the environmental impact of the nets, with many arguing the nets provide a false sense of security without significantly improving swimmer safety.
Online, multiple encounters have emerged suggesting Australians are largely undeterred by the presence of sharks in the ocean. A British expat posting to social media last week shared her confusion and utter shock at the fact swimmers, merely half an hour after a shark alarm sounded at Manly beach in Sydney, returned to the water.
It may suggest many Aussies have a level of acclimatisation to shark-related risks, where the perceived likelihood of an attack is viewed as low compared to the joy and importance of engaging with the ocean. Living in a country surrounded by water and renowned for its beach culture, Aussies often view encounters with sharks as an inherent, albeit manageable risk of ocean activities.
Recent surveys and community consultations suggest a majority of residents support transitioning to alternative shark mitigation measures, such as drone surveillance, SMART drumlines, and improved public education about shark behaviour.
These modern technologies are viewed as more effective in ensuring swimmer safety while minimising harm to marine ecosystems. Experts say the shift in public opinion should be seen as a call for the state government to reconsider its shark management strategies and prioritise solutions that align with both safety and sustainability.
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