Government proposes net-free trial
Manly’s shark net could disappear following the State Government’s decision to trial the removal of shark nets in three NSW council areas.
Northern Beaches Council has been asked to nominate a beach for the net-free beach trial before 22 August. Traditionally, shark nets are installed on 1 September and removed in March.
Media has speculated that Manly will be nominated on the Northern Beaches, but council’s decision will be based on Department of Primary Industries (DPI) data such as catch statistics and visitation numbers.
Council has long expressed concern over the harm to wildlife caused by shark meshing and has supported replacing the nets with alternative shark mitigation strategies, such as smart drum lines and drones, that still mean safety for swimmers.
Lawrence Chlebeck, a marine biologist with Humane World, told PL that the Northern Beaches were chosen for the trial because it had been one of the most outspoken councils in its opposition to the continuing use of shark nets. However, he questioned why councils were being forced to nominate a beach when the government had ‘all the data.’ ”Instead it has decided to pass the risk of making this decision off to councils,” Mr Chlebeck said. “I applaud council for standing up, upholding the science and what the community has asked for.”
Speaking on ABC Sydney on 28 July, Mayor Sue Heins said a shark net was ‘a hanky floating in the ocean,’ and ineffective compared to technologies like smart drumlines and listening devices.
Fifteen shark nets are installed annually across the Northern Beaches. During the 2024/5 season, 29 animals were caught in shark nets (down from 49 the previous year). Of the 29, 15 were dead including a grey nurse shark and two turtles. Two target sharks were caught.
“We strongly support approaches that maintain or enhance public safety, while protecting marine life,” council said.
A Surfrider Foundation Australia spokesperson said that while it was a ‘small move, it signals a growing recognition that shark nets are outdated, ineffective, and environmentally destructive.’ “The evidence is clear: nets do not prevent shark encounters and instead put ocean users at greater risk by providing a false sense of security.”