Shark nets used in New South Wales (NSW) have come under scrutiny after data revealed that over 90% of marine animals caught during the last summer were not the intended targets of these nets.

The significant bycatch includes critically endangered species, sparking a debate within the government about the future of this program.

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Over 90% of marine creatures caught in NSW shark nets last summer were not the intended targets.

High Bycatch Ratio Challenges Conservation Goals

Throughout the eight-month shark meshing season, spanning from September to April, the nets installed across 51 beaches ensnared 208 non-target marine animals, such as turtles, dolphins, and smaller sharks.

Tragically, more than half of these animals did not survive. Among the deceased were five critically endangered grey nurse sharks and several endangered turtles. The Guardian reports that of all the marine life caught, only 36% were released alive.

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The bycatch included five critically endangered grey nurse sharks and several endangered turtles.

Government and Community Responses

Internal government documents exposed a rift within the NSW administration over the use of shark nets. Before their deployment last year, the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) had advised that the capture of non-target species was inevitable given the design of the nets.

Despite this, the nets were redeployed without waiting for feedback from coastal councils, a move which has led to public backlash.

The controversy isn't just about wildlife. Public sentiment is shifting towards more innovative and less harmful methods of shark control. New technologies such as drones and SMART drumlines are being favored by communities who are increasingly aware of the ecological impacts of traditional nets, 9News reports.

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Only 36% of the non-target animals caught in the nets were released alive.

Political Pressure and Future of the Nets

Pressure is mounting from various sides for a reassessment of the shark meshing program. Environment Minister Penny Sharpe has expressed support for phasing out the nets, advocating for a collaborative approach with local councils to explore alternatives.

“I understand work with local councils is progressing to allow them to decide whether to continue to use shark nets in their local areas,” Sharpe wrote in a letter seen by Guardian Australia. “Giving councils the choice to opt out of shark nets empowers local communities to decide the best mix of shark protection measures for their area.”

This sentiment is echoed in the community, where there is a growing preference for solutions that balance human safety with marine conservation.

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Shark nets are installed annually from September 1 to April 30 at 51 beaches between Newcastle and Wollongong.

Scientific and Public Opinion

Experts and conservation groups have been vocal about the ineffectiveness of shark nets in reducing shark attacks, criticizing them for providing a false sense of security while causing significant ecological damage.

According to Lawrence Chlebeck, a marine biologist with Humane Society International, the nets do not reduce the risk of shark bites but rather ensnare hundreds of non-target animals annually, The Inertia reports.

Moreover, a public opinion poll suggests that a majority of NSW residents recognize the ocean as a natural shark habitat and are willing to assume the risks associated with swimming in these areas. This indicates a potential public readiness to move away from shark nets towards more modern and less disruptive measures.

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The Department of Primary Industries advised that bycatch was unavoidable due to the net design.

Looking Forward

As the NSW government faces growing criticism over its shark meshing program, the focus is shifting towards alternative strategies that could protect beachgoers without compromising marine life.

The coming years will likely see an increased reliance on technology and community-led initiatives to manage shark risks, reflecting a broader change in how Australians relate to their marine environment.