The Northern Beaches Council has voted to ban shark nets after images emerged showing trapped and dead marine animals in popular sites, including Palm Beach. This has prompted Council to ask the State Government to shift to better technologies to help protect marine creatures.
In a statement, Northern Beaches Deputy Mayor Candy Bingham confirmed that they have asked the NSW government to remove the shark nets as the effectiveness of the system raised more questions and increased the negative impact on marine life.
One disturbing photo from the Animal Justice Party Northern Beaches Regional Group showed a baby shark bleeding to death as its body was wrapped around the mesh.
“There are 15 shark nets from Palm Beach to Manly Beach and since 2012, 596 animals were caught, 290 killed with 224 being protected species. 18 whales or dolphins were caught and all of them were killed along with 21 turtles,” the group stated.
The Council cited a five-year study from the Department of Primary Industries – Fisheries (DPI Fisheries) that outlined other mitigation measures to keep the beaches safe whilst also protecting other species.
“The research conducted by DPI Fisheries found that 90% of marine species caught in nets were non-target species and that sharks can in fact swim over, under and around the nets anyhow,” Ms Bingham said.
“If the evidence is that there are other just as, or more, effective ways to mitigate shark risk, such as drone and helicopter surveillance, listening stations, and deterrent devices, then we owe it to those non-target species to remove the nets.
‘We will be providing that feedback through this consultation process and look forward to the government implementing effective shark mitigation measures while protecting other important marine species.”
In response, the NSW government said it will set aside $8 million for a new system that will include drone surveillance, SMART drumlines, and VR4G listening stations. It will also increase its campaign and education program to raise awareness of safely swimming in the Northern Beaches.
However, shark nets are commonly removed after April 30 and reinstalled every September, except in the sites protected by the NSW Government’s Bather Protection Program and there are no plans to change this system for 51 beaches in NSW.