Council calls on NSW Government to remove shark nets from Sydney’s northern beaches

April 28, 2021

Northern Beaches Council is calling on the NSW government to replace shark nets on beaches in the Council area with a combination of modern and effective alternative shark mitigation strategies that maintain or improve swimmer safety and reduce unwanted by-catch of non-target species.

Council made the call in response to the Department of Primary Industries – Fisheries (DPI Fisheries) request for input from stakeholders on their preferred shark mitigation measures, following a five-year project considering the benefits and impacts of a range of mitigation measures.

A number of residents addressed Council’s recent meeting in support of shark net removal, including surfing champion Layne Beachley.

Acting Mayor Candy Bingham said Council considered both the need to maintain or improve swimmer safety as well as the negative impacts on non-target marine species in reaching their decision.

Acting Mayor Bingham notes “the effectiveness of shark nets has been questioned by many, yet their impact on other marine species is devastating.

“We have an aquatic reserve in Manly where turtles and rays are regularly seen by snorkellers, and up and down the beaches dolphins surf the waves alongside local board riders.

“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.

“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.”

26th February 2017 - NSW shark nets kill endangered dolphins and turtles

14th April 2021 - Data discrepancies suggest illegal trade in endangered hammerhead shark fins

17th March 2021 - New report finds shark and ray species unique to Australian waters are in danger of extinction

28th January 2021 - Conservation Societies call for improved protection for endangered sharks and rays

16th November 2020 - SharkSmart WA app reaches 30,000 downloads in 12 months

17th October 2020 - Two new-generation shark monitoring receivers deployed at Western Australia’s Bunker Bay

1st October 2020 - Australian Marine Conservation Society welcomes Queensland’s new reforms for shark finning

31st August 2020 - Shark monitoring receivers to be introduced at Western Australia’s Bunker Bay

24th July 2020 - Global reef shark study highlights importance of shark conservation in Australia

27th April 2020 - Western Australia’s shark SMART drumline trial to be extended

11th March 2020 - Australian Marine Conservation Society highlights endangered shark facing extinction

18th February 2020 - Shark drumlines returned to Far North Queensland beaches within Marine Park

14th December 2019 - Australian Marine Conservation Society condemns NSW Government for slashing endangered shark protection

12th December 2019 - Conservation groups call for action on Australia’s endangered sharks

28th October 2019 - Western Australian Government launches Shark Smart WA app

12th February 2019 - Smart Shark Management drumlines trialled across Sydney beaches

11th December 2018 - Shark receivers to be installed at Western Australian beaches

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