Right now, the NSW Government is deciding whether to continue the use of shark nets off NSW beaches. They literally have a life-or-death decision in their hands. Â
But that decision can be in yours too – NSW marine life needs you!Â
Shark nets are designed to catch and kill. Hundreds of turtles, dolphins, rays, sharks, whales and other marine life are caught in the nets every season. In fact, 90 per cent of the animals caught in shark nets are non-targeted species. Most of them will die.Â
We say enough, and we know you do too. Will you tell your MP that you want the nets out now?
Please sign the action form, but better yet, if you live in the following electorates, call your MP today. Tell them you want to see an end to shark nets that kill hundreds of turtles, sharks, rays, whales and dolphins every year – with no benefit to public safety.Â
KOGARAH – Call the Premier’s office now on 02 7225 6000 and let him know that you want the nets out now!Â
SWANSEA – please call Yasmin Catley on 02 4972 1133
WYONG – please call David Harris on 02 4352 2711
MAROUBRA – please call Michael Daley on 02 9349 6440
KEIRA – please call Paul Scully on 02 4226 5700
WOLLONGONG – please call Ryan Park on 02 4285 1588
What began in 1937 as a misguided public safety measure, is now a drawn-out, destructive and cruel vestige of a bygone era.
Hundreds of marine animals die each year in the shark nets at 51 ocean beaches in Newcastle, Sydney and Wollongong. We are not talking about the shark barriers at harbour beaches which are confusingly also called shark nets. The shark nets we’re talking about are 100 metre long fishing nets installed 500 metres off ocean beaches from 1st September to 31st March and are designed to cull sharks. Nine out ten animals entangled are not target species – with far more turtles, dolphins and rays caught than the sharks these nets are intended for.
While acting as death traps for wildlife, shark nets are incapable of reducing the risk of shark bite. Far from being a barrier they are tiny compared to the size of the beach.  Sharks regularly swim past them and come into shore. Recent research has shown that there is NO DIFFERENCE in the frequency of shark bites between netted and non-netted beaches. Shark nets provide nothing more than a false sense of security.
NSW has invested significantly in non-lethal technologies that can actually reduce the risk of shark bite. Drones patrol beaches, SMART drumlines relocate sharks off shore and listening stations can detect tagged sharks. One or more of these technologies are currently used at every single netted beach. Not only are share nets cruel and ineffective but they are redundant.Â
Tell the NSW Government that it’s time to ditch the nets and bring shark bite risk reduction into the 21st century.
