News
NSW Government plans to reduce the number of shark nets from 51 to 48
Thursday, 31 Jul, 2025
Sea Shepherd Australia welcomes the news that the NSW Government plans to reduce the number of shark nets at NSW beaches from 51 to 48, by inviting Waverley, Northern Beaches, and Central Coast councils to nominate one net each for removal.
But while this is a step in the right direction, it falls short of the bold action needed to truly protect marine life and improve public safety.
First Nations people have consistently called for stronger protection of this culturally significant species and Sea Country. “Shark nets don’t protect, they trap. Every season, we see whales and other marine life entangled in these nets, including species that hold deep cultural significance in our Dreaming stories and responsibilities to Country. These animals are not just wildlife; they’re part of who we are. With the knowledge and technology we now have, shark nets are outdated and harmful. It’s time we listened to both science and culture, and moved toward solutions that respect and protect what matters most,” said Robert Cooley, Gamay Rangers.
“For years, local communities, coastal councils, and marine experts have called for the removal of shark nets, pointing to clear scientific evidence of their ineffectiveness and harm,” said Jonathan Clark, Sea Shepherd Coordinator. “Premier Chris Minns and Minister Tara Moriarty now have an opportunity to show real leadership by committing to a full phase-out of these outdated and ineffective devices.”
Shark nets do not create a barrier between swimmers and sharks and are only in the water for part of the year. Around 40% of shark entanglements occur on the beach side of the nets, meaning the sharks have already passed through and are heading back out to sea.
Worse still, shark nets kill thousands of non-target marine animals every year, including turtles, dolphins, rays, and even seals and penguins. Approximately 90% of animals caught are bycatch, many of them threatened or endangered. These deaths are entirely preventable. The presence of bycatch can also attract larger sharks closer to shore, increasing risk to beachgoers.
“Removing shark nets is not just an environmental issue, it’s a public safety issue,” Clark added. “We urge the NSW Government to accelerate the transition to modern, non-lethal shark mitigation technologies like drone surveillance, Eco-Barrier technology and personal protection devices.”
South Australia has shown that it is possible to protect beachgoers without harming marine life. The state has never used shark nets and instead relies on a comprehensive, non-lethal shark mitigation strategy.
Notably, in the 2024 council surveys conducted by the NSW Department of Primary Industries, not a single coastal council supported the continued use of shark nets. The science is clear. The community is clear. It’s time for the NSW Government to act decisively.
“This announcement is a welcome first step, but it must be the beginning, not the end, of reform,” said Clark. “We call on the NSW Government to commit to a shark net-free NSW and lead the nation in responsible, science-based ocean protection.”
Local businesses that rely on healthy oceans, such as surf schools and eco-tourism operators have long supported the removal of shark nets.
Surfrider Foundation Australia echoes this call - Surfrider Foundation Australia Drones Up Nets Down Campaigner Clare Drhlik states, "Surfrider Foundation Australia welcomes the recent decision allowing three local councils to remove one shark net each. While 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 bites and instead put ocean users at greater risk by attracting sharks and providing a false sense of security."
"Surfrider does not support the continued use of shark nets in any form. We urge governments to replace them with non-lethal, science-backed shark mitigation strategies that actually reduce the risk of shark encounters, such as drone surveillance, shark behaviour monitoring, ocean safety education, and shark-specific first aid training. We also call for a strong government-led public education campaign to empower beachgoers with knowledge about ocean conditions, marine wildlife, and how to respond in the rare case of a shark interaction. People deserve the truth, not outdated tools that endanger both human life and marine life. Shark nets belong in the past. The future is smarter, safer, and more sustainable.”