NSW shark nets catching seals, dolphins

Aug 02, 2023

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More than 200 non-target species were caught in NSW shark nets over the past 12 months, renewing calls from experts to ditch the devices.

Of the 228 marine animals caught in NSW nets in the past financial year, only 24 were target shark species and 204 were non-target species, including some sharks, turtles and rays, data from the NSW Department of Primary Industries shows.

A hammerhead caught in a shark net at Sydney’s Palm Beach in 2019.Credit: SI/AMCS/N McLachlan.

Of these animals,123 died.

Shark nets are not designed to create a complete barrier between swimmers and sharks, but rather they aim to deter sharks from frequenting the site. The nets are part of 51 along the NSW coast which are only in the water from September to April each year.

The state government’s shark net program aims to deter three species of sharks: the tiger, white and bull shark, but often other animals are caught.

This year’s data, released on Tuesday shows that 25.5 per cent of the 228 interactions involved threatened or protected species, including 18 white sharks, three green turtles, six leatherback turtles, six Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins and two seals.

‘[Shark nets are] 1937 technology. We’ve moved on and the community has moved on.’

Of the animals caught in the past year, only 85 animals were released alive.

Many critics say the technology is almost 100 years old, and alternative and less harmful methods should be used. Over the years, there have been significant advancements in technology, which include SMART drumlines and drone surveillance. Both are in place along the Central Coast.

Mayor of Waverley Paula Masselos said shark nets were not effective, especially given their impact on by-catch.

“There are better ways of ensuing shark mitigation strategies to keep the community safe and shark nets don’t do that,” she said. Part of this included drones powered by lifeguards, as well as stronger education programs.

“People need to be educated in the technology and how it works. They also need to be more aware that they are swimming in the environment of sharks and other sea creatures. We want to ensure the safety of the community first and foremost.

Since last year, Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch has pushed for his electorate to become the first place in the state to trial the removal of shark nets. The area would instead rely on alternative and less invasive shark mitigation technology. Despite his efforts, the trial has not been approved.

Crouch said he wrote to Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty earlier this year seeking the trial and was told a review would be done following the budget.

“[Shark nets are] 1937 technology. We’ve moved on and the community has moved on. My biggest fear is that this season will start with shark nets.”

Lawrence Chlebeck, marine biologist and Campaigner at Humane Society International Australia, said the number of non-target species caught indicated the program should be shelved.

“Previous governments have viewed this issue through an outdated lens, which is why they blindly relied on 100-year-old technology, in the form of nets,” he said.

“Modern solutions are already working and in place after decades of development, so it’s time for the new Minns government to bring swimmer safety into the 21st century and consign the nets to history.”

Dr Leonardo Guida, shark scientist at Australian Marine Conservation Society, urged the government to seek alternative measures to deter sharks ahead of the nets being installed in September.

“Political courage is needed for improvements to public safety for everyone at the beach,” he said.

A spokesperson from the Department of Primary Industries said on average, five million people visit the 51 beaches where shark nets are installed every year.

“Numbers of interactions with marine life fluctuate each year due to a range of factors, including natural variability in movement patterns of fauna and climatic and environmental conditions,” the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson added since 2009 there had been a steady increase in the number of animals released alive from about 27 per cent to 42 per cent.

“At this stage, no decisions have been made about the future deployment of shark mesh nets. A decision will be made by the NSW government before the start of the 2023/24 swimming season and following the tender and council consultation processes,” the spokesperson added.

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