Bondi Beach could soon lose its shark nets as NSW considers allowing the removal of the controversial barriers in favour of alternative safety measures.
Plans are underway to take down shark nets one month earlier than usual, on March 31, 2025, to protect migrating sea turtles. This decision is part of a broader initiative to reassess shark mitigation strategies along the NSW coast.
Key Changes
The 2024-25 Shark Management Program introduces several key changes. Shark nets will be removed on March 31 instead of April 30, and they will be inspected every two to three days, with increased drone surveillance. New lighting fixtures will be added near nets to discourage turtles. Local councils may be able to remove nets if they can ensure beachgoer safety.
Recent data has highlighted the impact of shark nets on marine ecosystems. Only 36% of animals caught in nets were released alive between 2023 and 2024. Of 255 marine animals caught, only 15 were target shark species. Alarmingly, 65 endangered animals were caught, including green turtles, bottlenose dolphins, and a humpback whale.
Alternative Safety Measures
While some nets may be removed, other safety measures remain. These include baited SMART drumlines, drone surveillance, listening stations, and community education programs.
“We will be working closely with local governments, SLSNSW and Surfing NSW over this season to ensure the future of this program works for the communities it operates in,” Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty stated.
A NSW government survey revealed potential tourism impacts, with 14% of respondents saying they would reconsider visiting NSW if shark attacks increased. Responsible shark management is estimated to be worth $187 million in net economic benefit.
Recent Incident in Bondi Beach
The news comes following a grim discovery off Bondi Beach in April 2024 when a drone operator spotted a dead dolphin entangled in a shark net about 300 metres offshore.
The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) confirmed the incident, stating that contractors retrieved a 2.15m Bottlenose Dolphin from the Bondi Beach shark net. In accordance with management protocols, the carcass was examined for biological samples before being disposed of at sea.
The incident has sparked renewed interest in alternative safety measures, such as increased drone surveillance, which could replace nets altogether.
Published 2-Aug-2024
