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Shark Nets in NSW: Time for Humane and Effective Alternatives

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Shark nets are installed at 51 beaches between Newcastle and Wollongong annually from September to April. The nets are removed between May to August to allow for the migration of whales.  [1]

Their effectiveness in successful shark management has been scientifically disproven. They not only pose a danger to sharks, a species under great threat, but also to a multitude of other marine life and even the swimmers and surfers they are intended to protect.  [2]

In FY22/23, 90% of the marine life caught in shark nets in NSW were non-target animals. This means that 204 harmless sharks, rays, turtles, dolphins, and seals were trapped, injured or killed. [3]

RSPCA NSW fully supports the NSW Government’s election commitment to phasing out this archaic and cruel program and welcomes this change as soon as possible.

 

 

 

What is the Shark Meshing Program?

The Shark Meshing Program (SMP) in NSW was established in the 1930s as a response to increasing concerns about shark incidents along the state’s coastline. The program aimed to protect beachgoers and reduce the risk of shark encounters by reducing shark populations through the use of nets along selected beaches. [4]

SMP involves the installation of mesh nets approximately 150 meters in length, extending 6m high from the ocean floor. The nets are designed to catch and kill sharks swimming near popular beaches, therefore reducing the shark population and in turn attempting to reduce the risk of a shark bite incident. [5]

Despite positive public perception, scientific evidence and expert advice show that the SMP negatively impacts, and is an ongoing threat to, marine animals and the marine environment. There is no scientific evidence that supports the SMP as an effective strategy to keep beachgoers, swimmers, and surfers safe – with 80% of shark encounters in Sydney occurring at netted beaches. [6]

Humane and effective alternatives for shark management

RSPCA NSW supports the implementation of justified, humane and effective methods to prevent shark incidents. When evaluating potential mitigation methods, welfare aspects relating to target and non-target species must be considered in addition to environmental assessment.

It is recommended that non-lethal methods informed by an understanding of shark biology, behaviour, and ecology be further developed and implemented, including (but not limited to) tagging and tracking alert systems, patrols and surveillance, active and passive electrical repellents, innovative sonar systems, and eco-barriers.

Shark mitigation strategies such as ‘shark spotting’ using beach surveillance and shark awareness programs that educate the public about risk factors that can potentially influence the likelihood of being attacked by sharks also play an important role. [7]

Beach pools are an excellent option for those seeking a safe ocean swimming environment that mitigates the risk of shark encounters. They provide a secure space for swimming while allowing beachgoers to enjoy the beauty and benefits of the ocean without the worry of interactions with sharks and other dangerous wildlife.

What’s next? 

Now that whale migration season is coming to an end, there is only one month to go until shark nets are scheduled to be reinstalled in NSW on 1 September 2024.

RSPCA NSW supports a complete phase out of the Shark Meshing Program. The NSW Government’s recent Summer Shark Management Plan announcement is a step in the right direction, and we are eager to assist in whatever way we can to expedite this process.

Implementing this commitment will allow us to collectively protect and improve the welfare of all sea creatures, large and small, and ensure that public funds are used more effectively to keep our beaches safe and free from harm.

 

Helpful Resources

 

References: 

[1] Action for Dolphins 2024, Action for Dolphins, < https://www.afd.org.au/petition/shark-nets/ >

[2] Envoy Foundation 2024, Envoy Foundation, <https://www.envoy.foundation/envoy-shark-cull> 

[3] Envoy Foundation (2023) Reaction Paper to the 2022/23 Shark Meshing Program Annual Performance Report. Available at https://www.envoy.foundation/_files/ugd/1d67c4_3836556133b9451899d00519751f6936.pdf  

[4] Envoy Foundation (2023) Investigation into NSW Shark Meshing Program. Available at https://www.envoy.foundation/_files/ugd/1d67c4_fe112a0f1f6f4d6683f9f874c8c8fa10.pdf  

[5] Envoy Foundation (2023) Investigation into NSW Shark Meshing Program. Available at https://www.envoy.foundation/_files/ugd/1d67c4_fe112a0f1f6f4d6683f9f874c8c8fa10.pdf  

[6] Envoy Foundation (2023) Investigation into NSW Shark Meshing Program. Available at https://www.envoy.foundation/_files/ugd/1d67c4_fe112a0f1f6f4d6683f9f874c8c8fa10.pdf  

[7] RSPCA Knowledgebase (2023). ‘What is the RSPCA’s view on killing sharks to reduce shark incidents?’. Available at https://kb.rspca.org.au/knowledge-base/what-is-the-rspcas-view-on-killing-sharks-to-reduce-shark-incidents/Â