Calls for Ban on New South Wales’ Shark Nets Grow Amid High Marine Animal Deaths

Marine conservationists, scientists, and an MP are pressing the New South Wales government to eliminate anti-shark nets along the state’s coastline, citing the significant toll on marine life. Despite being designed to protect swimmers, these nets have become a lethal hazard for a wide range of marine animals, including turtles and dolphins.

Recent data revealed that over 90% of marine animals caught in these nets last summer were not sharks. Tragically, more than half of the 208 non-target species, such as turtles, dolphins, and smaller sharks, died after becoming entangled. The nets, stretching from Newcastle to Wollongong, have drawn criticism for their ineffectiveness and unnecessary harm.

Leonardo Guida, a shark scientist with the Australian Marine Conservation Society, argues that the nets are “redundant” given the availability of more effective, non-lethal alternatives. Technologies like drone surveillance, personal shark deterrents, and the SharkSmart education program have proven to enhance swimmer safety without endangering marine life.

Emma Hurst, an MP from the Animal Justice Party, highlighted the high cost and ineffectiveness of the nets. She pointed out that sharks can easily bypass the nets, creating a false sense of security for beachgoers while leading to the deaths of countless marine animals each year.

The NSW government’s shark management program, which includes the controversial nets, also features smart drum lines, drone surveillance, and community education efforts. However, the ongoing use of the nets has sparked debate, with experts suggesting that the state could safely reduce or eliminate them without compromising public safety.

Professor Robert Harcourt, a marine ecologist, emphasized the success of smart drum lines in tagging and releasing sharks, allowing for effective monitoring without harming marine life. He suggested that reducing the use of shark nets would pose little political risk, given the availability of these alternative measures.

Please sign this petition to Demand Iceland Ban Whale Hunting!

Related Content:

• Over 90% of Marine Life Caught in NSW Shark Nets are Not the Targeted Species
• Young Humpback Whale Freed After Being Caught in Shark Net
• Caring Scuba Instructor Removes Fishing Net From Shark’s Mouth [VIDEO]
• Divers Free Whale Sharks From Fishing Nets (VIDEO)

Easy Ways to Help the Planet:

• Eat Less Meat: Download Food Monster, the largest plant-based Recipe app on the App Store, to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy. You can also buy a hard or soft copy of our favorite vegan cookbooks.
• Adopt-a-Pet: Visit WildWatchers, a watchdog platform specifically designed for animal, earth, and wildlife warriors to actively give back, rescue, and protect animals and the planet.
• Reduce Your Fast Fashion Footprint: Take initiative by standing up against fast fashion Pollution and supporting sustainable and circular brands like Tiny Rescue that raise awareness around important issues through recycled zero-waste clothing designed to be returned and remade over and over again.
• Support Independent Media: Being publicly funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing you with high-quality content. Please consider supporting us by donating!
• Sign a Petition: Your voice matters! Help turn petitions into victories by signing the latest list of must-sign petitions to help people, animals, and the planet.
• Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest news and important stories involving animals, the environment, sustainable living, food, health, and human interest topics by subscribing to our newsletter!
• Do What You Can: Reduce waste, plant trees, eat local, travel responsibly, reuse stuff, say no to single-use plastics, recycle, vote smart, switch to cold water laundry, divest from fossil fuels, save water, shop wisely, Donate if you can, grow your food, volunteer, conserve energy, compost, and don’t forget about the microplastics and microbeads lurking in common household and personal care products!