Two of Australia’s most prominent coastlines, Bondi and Bronte in Sydney, might quickly undertake a significant modification. On Tuesday evening councillors in charge of the coastline elected with one voice in favour of having the federal government’s questionable shark internet eliminated from the shoreline.
Critics state the internet, which rest roughly 300 metres bent on sea, are dated and inadequate tools that provide swimmers an incorrect complacency. Nets are simply 6 metres high, so when they are set up offshore at a deepness of 10 metres, sharks are merely able to swim over them.
Instead of capturing huge sharks they more frequently non-target types, consisting of dolphins. Conservation teams have actually invited the ballot by Waverley Council to rather concentrate on 3 more recent innovations to maintain swimmers secure– drones, clever drumlines and labelled paying attention terminals. The modification hinges on authorization by the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI), and there will certainly be no modification in the council’s shark internet plan for this summer season.
Related: Aussie angler gave rips after shock catch in shark internet
Humane Society International (HSI) aquatic biologist Lawrence Chlebeck informed Yahoo News the ballot was “very good news” and he really hoped various other councils would certainly adhere to.
HSI evaluation reveals there have actually been 3 summer seasons without the internet at Bondi having actually captured a solitary target shark. “As if to underscore how pointless the nets are, so far this season the nets at Bondi… have entangled two critically endangered grey nurse sharks, and a Port Jackson shark, all harmless to beachgoers,” Chlebeck added.
The vote came in response to an undertaking by the NSW Government to consult with councils around the state about the use of shark mitigation devices. The government has indicated it is open to listening to local communities about the continued use of shark nets, and Tuesday’s vote will result in a submission to the state government.
Some changes have already begun since Labor took office, with nets removed one month earlier than usual to reduce the risk of killing endangered sea turtles during the April nesting season. In Queensland they are kept in the water year-round, frequently snaring migrating whales.
“We all know that shark nets do not reduce the risk of shark bite, but it’s still a common belief in our communities. And dispelling those myths is very difficult,” Chlebeck claimed.
“It’s our job and the government’s job to educate the community about what they can and can’t do.”
A Waverley Council speaker has actually informed Yahoo News the DPI has actually encouraged Council that “clever drumlines are one of the most efficient device for capturing target sharks, while reducing the catch of non-target pets, and increasing the survival of all pets”.
“Council highlighted that the elimination of shark internet is conditional nonetheless on the substantial enhanced use drones and clever drumlines at Waverley LGA coastlines which would certainly enhance the security of all coastline individuals,” the spokesperson told Yahoo.
Bondi drone operator celebrates shark net vote
In NSW, shark nets are placed along beaches between Wollongong, Sydney and Newcastle, which are used by an estimated five million people a year. The devices are removed during the winter months when fewer people swim.
The state’s shark mitigation program is estimated to cost $21.5 million over the 2024/2025 season, funds are also used for SMART drumlines, drones and education about beach safety. Shark bites are rare at netted beaches and so there is some community support for them.
Bondi local Jason Iggleton, who uses a drone to monitor marine life around Bondi Beach, was at the council meeting on Tuesday night, and spoke in favour of their removal. While there have been few shark bite incidents at netted beaches around the state, he argues they provide little protection for swimmers.
“Once people know that nets aren’t a complete barrier, and sharks can just swim around them, they think what’s the point,” he later told Yahoo.
caas-jump-link-heading”>A dolphin was found dead in a NSW government shark net off Bronte Beach. Source: Mother Ocean Freediving
“>Shark nets having ‘worrying’ impact on endangered marine life
Australian Marine Conservation Society shark expert Dr Leonardo Guida said, the risk of catching endangered and critically endangered species was a major concern for researchers.
“With the grey nurse shark already at grave risk of extinction in NSW and the catch of marine turtles rising, the continued use of shark nets is putting enormous pressure on the local populations,” he said.
“We hope other councils will follow Waverley Council’s lead and listen to the science and end the use of shark nets, and enact measures that reduce the risk of shark bites without impacting other ocean wildlife.”
Over the coming weeks, other councils around NSW are set to vote on whether they would also prefer not to have shark nets at their beaches.
The Waverley Council vote came after the responsible minister, Tanya Moriarty, said she wanted to see mitigation programs working for the communities they operate in. “As we map the future of this program we will listen to local communities, and consider the best available evidence to ensure we are striking the right balance at our beaches,” she said in July.
The Department of Primary Industries has been contacted for comment.
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