‘Nets do not save human life, lifeguards save human life’; what the shark nets mean to NSW
The beginning of spring brought the return of shark nets along the NSW coastline, despite calls for alternative solutions.
While Premier Chris Minns made an election commitment to “phase out” shark nets, the nets will remain until next April.
“Nets do not save human life, lifeguards save human life,” Emma Hurst MLC stated to parliament.
Since 1937, shark nets have been used across 51 beaches between Newcastle and Wollongong to “reduce the chance of a shark interaction,” according to Shark Smart.
However, during the 2022-2023 season, the Department of Primary Industries found that 89 per cent of animals caught in nets were non-target species, and 63 per cent of animals caught were found dead.
MPs from the Animal Justice Party, the Greens, Independents, and the Liberal Party have called for them to be removed.
“There are many other scientifically backed ways to keep beachgoers safe, including beach patrols, drone surveillance and personal shark deterrents,” Hurst cited from the report.
Such measures include SMART drumlines, which the Central Coast Council was ready to implement before the Minns government announced the reintroduction of the nets.
Image: Kyeemagh Beach Baths. While they are not shark nets, they function similarly.
“It is time the Government credited and recognised the work of our lifeguards, who are the ones out there saving people's lives,” Hurst said.
Zena Masri, a former Lifesaver at South Maroubra Lifesaving Club said, “The shark nets are not 100 percent safe. You need the involvement of lifesavers too.”
Image above: Cronulla Beach.
While SMART drumlines may be the most effective tool, Tara Moriarty, the Minister for Agriculture, says alternative technology is not ready to be relied on exclusively.
Such reservations are in response to recent shark attacks.
In February 2022, Simon Nellist was killed by a great white shark near Little Bay. It was the first fatal attack in Sydney in nearly 60 years.
Last month, Toby Begg was bitten by a great white at Port Macquarie, sustaining significant injuries to the lower half of his body.
But to many, the use of nets ignores science.
Diane, a Cronulla resident protesting the nets said, “I’m absolutely ropable about them putting the shark nets back in … it’s the highlight of my week when I swim out with my friends and see some turtles or beautiful rays… but these nets are threatening our marine life.”
Image above: Animal Justice Party protesting the shark nets at Cronulla Beach.
All photographs were taken by Amelie Zreika.
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