August 14 - 20, 2022: Issue 550

 

Shark Meshing (Bather Protection) Program 2021/22 Annual Performance Report - Data Shows Vulnerable, Endangered And Critically Endangered Species Being Found Dead In Nets Off Our Beaches

VR4G Listening Station off south Palm Beach, May 14, 2022. Photo: A J Guesdon

Data released by the NSW Department of Primary Industries (‘DPI’) in the Shark Meshing (Bather Protection) Program 2021/22 Annual Performance Report shows that 21 threatened marine turtles were killed in the last shark net season—a rate of one turtle every 12 days. Additionally, 14 Critically Endangered grey nurse sharks were caught, with five found dead and nine released. The death of just one grey nurse is a serious blow to the population.

  • All up 86% of marine animals caught in NSW shark nets during the 2021-2022 season were non-target species such as turtles, rays and smaller sharks. 
  • The Shark Meshing (Bather Protection) Program 2021/22 Annual Performance Report, released by NSW DPI, shows that of 376 animals caught, only 13.5% (51) were target species. Of the 376 animals caught in the nets, 62% (234) were killed. 
  • A total 203 (54%) of the animals caught during 2021-2022 were threatened or protected species, and 77% (156) of these animals died as a result of being caught in the nets.

The trigger point for the objective of ‘minimising the impact on non-target species and threatened species’ was tripped in 2021/22 for Green Turtles and Leatherback Turtles.

Other species of turtles have also been found deceased during the 2021/22 SMP, prompting some to state these are a result of nets being put into waters around storm events as the incidents of deaths rise shortly thereafter. 

The Australian Seabird & Turtle Rescue Central Coast posted on April 1, 2022: 

Another large deceased leatherback sea turtle has washed up onto our beaches this morning. This is the second leatherback within 48 hours, the third in a week. National Parks has been contacted and will coordinate testing and removal of the animal. National Parks collected the specimen from Avoca Wednesday and are awaiting test and necropsy results. It is quite rare for us to have a leatherback turtle wash up onto beaches in our region, devastating to have 3 in one week. We currently have large swells impacting our coastline, if you come across any marine reptiles or seabirds, please give us a call.

The Threatened and Endangered Species Caught in NSW Shark Nets in 2021/22 comprise:

  • 28 White sharks (18 dead, 10 released alive) Vulnerable - 2 deaths from here; Avalon 04/10/21, Harbord 10/12/21
  • 19 Green turtles (14 dead) Vulnerable - 2 deaths from here; at Narrabeen on 24/12/21and at Harbord on 25/01/22
  • 16 Leatherback turtles (5 dead) Endangered - one found dead in the Curl Curl net on 14/03/22
  • 14 Grey nurse sharks (5 dead) Critically Endangered - one at Palm Beach on 30/11/21, a female with a length of 2.4 
  • 2 Great hammerhead sharks (2 dead) Critically Endangered - 1 at North Avoca 10/12/21, 1 at Caves Beach 11/04/22 
  • 4 Loggerhead turtles (2 dead) Endangered - one found dead at Warriewood on 03/01/22
  • 1 Common dolphin (dead) Protected - found dead and decomposed in the Mona Vale net on 06/10/21

A total of 376 marine animals were caught in the SMP during the 2021/22 meshing season, comprised of 51 target sharks and 325 non-target animals. One hundred and forty-two animals (38%) were released alive.

The 51 target sharks comprised 28 White Sharks; 12 Bull Sharks; and 11 Tiger Sharks.

The 325 interactions with non-target animals consisted of: 

  • 149 non-target sharks, including Greynurse Sharks; Great Hammerhead Sharks; Smooth Hammerhead Sharks; an unidentified hammerhead species; a Port Jackson Shark; an unidentified shark species; *Broadnose Sevengill Sharks; *Whaler Sharks (Bronze Whalers, Common Blacktip Sharks, Dusky Whalers, Silky Sharks; Spinner Sharks; an unidentified whaler species), and *Shortfin Mako Sharks; (* reported as target sharks prior to 2017).
  • 130 rays, including Southern Eagle Rays; Australian Cownose Rays; Black Stingrays; White Spotted Eagle Rays; Smooth Stingrays; and a White Spotted Guitarfish.
  • 40 marine reptiles comprised of: 19 Green Turtles; 16 Leatherback Turtles; 4 Loggerhead Turtles; and 1 unidentified turtle species.
  • 2 marine mammals comprised of: 1 Common Dolphin, and 1 Humpback Whale.
  • 4 interactions with finfish (Frigate Mackerel, and Mackerel Tuna).

Eighty-four (22%) of the interactions were with threatened species comprised of: 28 White Sharks; 19 Green Turtles; 16 Leatherback Turtles; 14 Greynurse Sharks; 4 Loggerhead Turtles; 2 Great Hammerhead Sharks, and 1 Humpback Whale.

Two (<1%) of the interactions were with protected species comprised of: 1 Common Dolphin, and 1 unidentified turtle species.

The turtles recorded caught in local nets include:

  • Warriewood 03/01/22 Caretta caretta Loggerhead Turtle Dead No No length 1.1 Female
  • Narrabeen 24/12/21 Chelonia mydas Green Turtle Dead Yes No 0.65 Unk.
  • North Narrabeen 30/12/21 Caretta caretta Loggerhead Turtle Alive & Released No No 1 Unk.
  • Harbord 25/01/22 Chelonia mydas Green Turtle Dead
  • Curl Curl 14/03/22 Dermochelys coriacea Leatherback Turtle Dead
  • Newport 16/03/22 Dermochelys coriacea Leatherback Turtle Alive & Released No No 1.67 Unk.
  • Whale 18/03/22 Dermochelys coriacea Leatherback Turtle Alive & Released No No 1.6 Unk.
  • Newport 26/03/22 Dermochelys coriacea Leatherback Turtle Alive & Released 

The observer program was implemented with observers present on 28% of all net checks (hauls/runs) undertaken by SMP contractors. Observers continued to focus on ensuring collection of biological samples in accordance with the Strategic Research and Monitoring Program. 

Biological samples were taken from 143 of the 234 animals found dead in the nets in 2021/22.

During the 2021/22 meshing season there was one reported shark-human interaction at a meshed beach of the SMP. A surfer was uninjured when bumped by an unidentified shark at Maroubra Beach in March 2022. No injuries were sustained during this interaction so the trigger point for ‘reducing the risk to humans from shark attacks at beaches of the SMP’ was not tripped. This incident did not trip the trigger point related to ‘reducing the risk to humans from shark attacks at beaches of the SMP’ for the 2021/22 reporting period.

During the 2021/22 meshing season, there were also seven verified shark-human interactions at unmeshed beaches along the NSW coastline. Three of these interactions occurred in the SMP region with an ocean swimmer being fatally injured after encountering a White Shark at Little Bay Beach, Randwick in February 2022 (approximately 3.5 km south of the nearest meshed beach at Maroubra). The victim of Sydney's first fatal shark attack in 59 years was 35-year-old Simon Nellist, an ocean lover from the city's south.

The other two were a swimmer sustaining minor injuries after suffering a bite from a wobbegong at Warriewood blowhole, Warriewood in January 2022 (approximately 400m south of the meshed beach at Warriewood), and a spearfisher being uninjured after fending off a White Shark while spearfishing at Magic Point, Maroubra in March 2022 (approximately 1km south of the nearest meshed beach at Maroubra).

There were also three unverified interactions, two in March 2022 and one in April 2022.

Of the 51 beaches between Wollongong and Newcastle that form part of the Shark Meshing Program those named Sydney North, Warriewood to Palm Beach, and Sydney Central, Narrabeen to Manly, apply to our area.

Statistics from the report record Monthly catch summaries for the 2021/22 meshing season record what was in these nets locally. 

Appendix 1 Table 1: Detailed Catch Report - 1 September 2021 to 28 September 2021:

Sydney North

  • Avalon 02/09/21 Dasyatis thetidis Black Stingray Alive & Released No No 1.5 Female
  • Mona Vale 02/09/21 Dasyatis thetidis Black Stingray Alive & Released No No 0.8 Female
  • Whale 02/09/21 Dasyatis thetidis Black Stingray Alive & Released No No 1.6 Female
  • Palm 11/09/21 Sphyrna zygaena Smooth Hammerhead Dead Yes No 1.25 Female

Sydney Central

  • North Narrabeen 12/09/21 Dasyatis brevicaudata Smooth Stingray Alive & Released No No 1.2 Male

Appendix 1 Table 2: Detailed Catch Report - 29 September 2021 to 26 October2021 

Sydney North

  • Avalon 04/10/21 Carcharodon carcharias White Shark Dead Yes No 1.8 Female
  • Mona Vale 04/10/21 Notorynchus cepedianus Broadnose Sevengill Shark Dead Yes No 1.6 Male
  • Mona Vale 06/10/21 Notorynchus cepedianus Broadnose Sevengill Shark Dead Yes No 1.7 Male
  • Mona Vale 06/10/21 Delphinus delphis Common Dolphin Dead and decomposed No No 1.6 Unk.
  • Mona Vale 15/10/21 Galeocerdo cuvier Tiger shark Dead Yes No 3.2 Female
  • Newport 15/10/21 Heterodontus portusjacksoni Port Jackson Shark Alive & Released No Yes 1.05 Male
  • Mona Vale 16/10/21 Carcharhinus brachyurus Bronze Whaler Alive & Released No No 3 Female
  • Whale 16/10/21 Megaptera novaeangliae Humpback whale Alive & Released No No length: 8 Unk.
  • Bilgola 17/10/21 Carcharias taurus Greynurse Shark Alive & Released No Yes 3.5 Male
  • Bilgola 20/10/21 Myliobatis australis Southern Eagle Ray Alive & Released No No 0.5 Unk.
  • Warriewood 25/10/21 Myliobatis australis Southern Eagle Ray Alive & Released No No 1 Female

Sydney Central

  • Harbord 16/10/21 Myliobatis australis Southern Eagle Ray Dead No No 1 Male

Appendix 1 Table 3: Detailed Catch Report - 27 October 2021 to 23 November 2021

Sydney North

  1. Mona Vale 08/11/21 Sphyrna zygaena Smooth Hammerhead Dead Yes No 1.2 Male
  2. Palm 12/11/21 Sphyrna zygaena Smooth Hammerhead Dead Yes No 0.95 Female
  3. Mona Vale 16/11/21 Myliobatis australis Southern Eagle Ray Dead Yes No 1.15 Female

Sydney Central

  • Harbord 29/10/21 Myliobatis australis Southern Eagle Ray Dead No No 1 Female
  • North Steyne 05/11/21 Myliobatis australis Southern Eagle Ray Dead No No 1.2 Female

Appendix 1 Table 4: Detailed Catch Report - 24 November 2021 to 21 December 2021

Sydney North

  • Palm 30/11/21 Carcharias taurus Greynurse Shark Dead Yes No size: 2.4 Female
  • Mona Vale 04/12/21 Myliobatis australis Southern Eagle Ray Alive & Released No No 1 Female
  • Palm 17/12/21 Dasyatis thetidis Black Stingray Alive & Released No No 0.7 Female
  • Whale 17/12/21 Myliobatis australis Southern Eagle Ray Dead Yes No 0.7 Female
  • Mona Vale 20/12/21 Myliobatis australis Southern Eagle Ray Dead Yes No 1.4 Unk.
  • Mona Vale 20/12/21 Galeocerdo cuvier Tiger shark Dead Yes No 1.5 Male
  • Warriewood 20/12/21 unidentified shark unidentified shark Dead No No - Unk.

Sydney Central

  • Curl Curl 24/11/21 Carcharhinus obscurus Dusky Whaler Alive & Released No Yes 1.15 Male
  • Curl Curl 29/11/21 Caretta caretta Loggerhead Turtle Alive & Released No No - Unk.
  • North Narrabeen 02/12/21 Sphyrna zygaena Smooth Hammerhead Dead Yes No 1.2 Female
  • Harbord 10/12/21 Carcharodon carcharias White Shark Dead Yes No 2.1 Female
  • Harbord 10/12/21 Myliobatis australis Southern Eagle Ray Dead Yes No 1 Female

Appendix 1 Table 5: Detailed Catch Report - 22 December 2021 to 18 January 2022

  • Warriewood 24/12/21 Sphyrna zygaena Smooth Hammerhead Dead No No size:1.05 Male
  • Bilgola 03/01/22 Sphyrna zygaena Smooth Hammerhead Dead No No Size: 1.8 Male
  • Warriewood 03/01/22 Caretta caretta Loggerhead Turtle Dead No No length 1.1 Female

Sydney Central

  • Narrabeen 24/12/21 Chelonia mydas Green Turtle Dead Yes No 0.65 Unk.
  • North Narrabeen 30/12/21 Caretta caretta Loggerhead Turtle Alive & Released No No 1 Unk.
  • North Steyne 12/01/22 Sphyrna zygaena Smooth Hammerhead Dead Yes No 1.08 Female

Appendix 1 Table 6: Detailed Catch Report - 19 January 2022 to 15 February 2022

No records/none recorded in Sydney North

Sydney Central 

  • Harbord 25/01/22 Chelonia mydas Green Turtle Dead Yes No 0.7 Unk

Appendix 1 Table 7: Detailed Catch Report – 16 February 2022 to 15 March2022

Sydney North 

  • Palm 18/02/22 Sphyrna zygaena Smooth Hammerhead Dead Yes No 1.2 M
  • Bilgola 05/03/22 Rhinoptera neglecta Australian Cownose Ray Alive & Released No No 2.4 Unk.

Sydney Central

  • Queenscliff 28/02/22 Aetobatus ocellatus White Spotted Eagle Ray Alive & Released No No 1 Male
  • North Narrabeen 13/03/22 Aetobatus ocellatus White Spotted Eagle Ray Alive & Released No No 1 Male
  • Curl Curl 14/03/22 Dermochelys coriacea Leatherback Turtle Dead No No 1.8 Unk

Appendix 1 Table 8: Detailed Catch Report – 16 March 2022 to 12 Apri l2022

Sydney North

  • Avalon 16/03/22 Euthynnus affinis Mackerel tuna Dead No No 0.57 Unk.
  • Avalon 16/03/22 Euthynnus affinis Mackerel tuna Dead No No 0.57 Unk.
  • Avalon 16/03/22 Euthynnus affinis Mackerel tuna Dead No No 0.57 Unk
  • Newport 16/03/22 Dermochelys coriacea Leatherback Turtle Alive & Released No No 1.67 Unk.
  • Palm 16/03/22 Carcharhinus leucas Bull Shark Dead Yes No 1.67 Female
  • Whale 18/03/22 Dermochelys coriacea Leatherback Turtle Alive & Released No No 1.6 Unk.
  • Newport 26/03/22 Dermochelys coriacea Leatherback Turtle Alive & Released No No 1.8 Unk.
  • Avalon 11/04/22 Carcharhinus obscurus Dusky Whaler Dead No No 1.3 Male

Sydney Central: No records/none recorded in report

Appendix 1 Table 9: Detailed Catch Report – 13 April 2022 to 30 April 2022

Sydney Central 

  • Dee Why 14/04/22 Myliobatis australis Southern Eagle Ray Dead Yes No 1.22 Female
  • Manly 14/04/22 Sphyrna zygaena Smooth Hammerhead Dead Yes No 1.16 Female

Central Coast Detailed Catch Reports - Turtles caught in nets during the 2021-22 SMP:

  • 1 September 2021 to 28 September 2021: Soldiers 19/09/21 Chelonia mydas Green Turtle Dead Yes No 0.6 Female
  • 29 September 2021 to 26 October2021: The Entrance 17/10/21 Caretta caretta Loggerhead Turtle Dead No No 0.72 Female
  • 27 October 2021 to 23 November2021: No turtle deaths recorded.
  • 24 November 2021 to 21 December 2021: The Entrance 21/12/21 Chelonia mydas Green Turtle Alive & Released No No 0.73 Female
  • 22 December 2021 to 18 January 2022: Terrigal 29/12/21 Chelonia mydas Green Turtle Alive & Released No No 0.6 Unk.
  • 19 January 2022 to 15 February2022: Umina 20/01/22 Dermochelys coriacea Leatherback Turtle Dead and decomposed No No 1.5 Unk.
  • 16 February 2022 to 15 March2022: No dead turtles in the nets recorded
  • 16 March 2022 to 12 April 2022: Umina 16/03/22 Dermochelys coriacea Leatherback Turtle Dead Yes No 1.1 Unk., North Avoca 18/03/22 Chelonia mydas Green Turtle Alive & Released No No 0.7 Unk.,  Copacabana 05/04/22 Dermochelys coriacea Leatherback Turtle Alive & Released No No 1.1 Unk.
  • 13 April 2022 to 30 April 2022: Terrigal 14/04/22 Dermochelys coriacea Leatherback Turtle Alive & Released No No 1.3 Unk., North Avoca 15/04/22 Dermochelys coriacea Leatherback Turtle Alive & Released No No 1.2 Unk., Avoca 18/04/22 Dermochelys coriacea Leatherback Turtle Alive & Released No No 1.1 Unk., North Avoca 18/04/22 Dermochelys coriacea Leatherback Turtle Alive & Released No No 1.2 Unk., McMasters 20/04/22 Dermochelys coriacea Leatherback Turtle Alive & Released No No 1.8 Unk., North Avoca 27/04/22 Dermochelys coriacea Leatherback Turtle Dead Yes No 1.1 Unk.

There were seventeen reports of nets being damaged during the 2021/22 season. Those that were local nets were:

  • 16 October 2021, Mona Vale net cut from top to bottom after Water Police released a shark caught in the net.
  • 16 October 2021, Whale Beach net destroyed after whale entanglement requiring the whale to be cut free by NPWS.
  • 15 November 2021, Sydney North contractor reported that the Palm Beach net had a large section (approx. 4 - 5m) missing and the mesh was snapped, suspected caused by a large animal. The missing mesh was not recovered.
  • 16 February 2022, Sydney North contractor reported a large tear in the Bilgola net from a suspected large animal interaction.
  • 05 March 2022, Sydney North contractor reported damage to Newport, Bilgola, Mona Vale, Avalon and Warriewood nets due to the extreme weather/sea conditions at the time.

* Contractors report ‘suspected whale damage’ to nets when it is obvious that the net mesh and/or ropes have been torn, snapped or broken under strain, as opposed to being cut. These reports also coincide with the whale migration season.

There were eight reports of vandalism during the 2021/22 season, with, locally:

  • 2 September – 18 October 2021, Sydney North contractor reported that several whale and dolphins pingers had gone missing from Mona Vale and Warriewood nets.

The extreme and adverse weather conditions throughout the 2021/22 season meant that on several occasions many of the contractors removed one or more of their nets from the water to reduce the chance of losing nets. Contractors are required to check their set nets every 72 hours weather permitting. The report states this commitment was met on most occasions with 85% of set net inspections taking place within the 72-hour timeframe. The occasions where this requirement was not met, was due to severe weather conditions; and one occasion due to a boat breakdown. The intention of the 72-hour inspection timeframes, the report states, is to potentially increase the chances of survival of any marine life caught in the nets.

There were five reports of nets going missing during the 2021/22 season, one from Manly:

  • 07 March 2022, Sydney Central contractor reported that the Manly net was missing, and subsequent searches of the area have failed to find the net.

On March 19th 2022 the NSW Government announcing a boost of $4.4 million for a suite of immediate additional mitigation methods, as well as ongoing funding of more than $85 million to continue this strategy until 2026.

Minister for Agriculture Dugald Saunders said shark interactions are always possible, regardless of the technologies deployed - but it is critical for the NSW Government to do everything possible to reduce that risk to the millions of beachgoers who hit the water every year.

“The tragic event at Little Bay earlier this year was another reminder of the threat posed by sharks and the need to take steps to ensure we can coexist as safely as possible,” Mr Saunders said.

“We are not only announcing immediate additional response capabilities, including more Shark Listening Stations, SMART Drumlines and Rapid Response Vehicles, but we’re also committing to ongoing funding for future mitigation to protect our beachgoers for years to come.”

The immediate additional response package includes:

  • 10 additional VR4G Listening Stations; - one of these was installed at Palm Beach in 2022
  • 60 extra SMART drumlines; drumlines have been off our beaches for a few years now - visit this report from 2019
  • 500 more shark tags to trace sharks caught on an expanded drumline roll out;
  • Funding for four more Rapid Response Vessels;
  • Long Range Drone Trials in partnership with Surf Life Saving NSW; visit report from July 2020
  • Additional Surf Life Saving resources to increase their presence at beaches; and,
  • Applied research into wetsuit materials to reduce the impact of shark attacks.


The $85.6 million 2022-2026 Shark Management Program will include:

  • The extension of the 51 nets currently deployed seasonally as part of the Shark Meshing Program;
  • The continuity and expansion of the SMART drumline program;
  • The establishment of a First Responder Team based across NSW to coordinate the government’s response to shark incidents;
  • Keeping the NSW Government’s 37 shark listening stations across the coast;
  • More funding to Surf Life Saving NSW to continue and expand aerial surveillance using drones across the state’s coastline;
  • Funding to continue to enable Surfing NSW to provide shark mitigation supports and services such as trauma kits during riding competitions and surf schools;
  • Research funding for new tools, technologies and further insights into shark behaviour; and,
  • An annual survey of community confidence and sentiment in NSW Government shark mitigation efforts.

Mr Saunders said the investment builds on an already extensive suite of mitigation methods.

“This summer alone, the NSW Government committed $21.4 million to implement a number of extra mitigation tools, including SMART drumlines, drone technology, 16 additional shark listening stations, 51 shark nets, the Shark Smart app and community awareness campaigns, so today’s funding will be a welcome boost to build on these initiatives,” Mr Saunders said.

"We know sharks can be extremely dangerous and aggressive, but they’re also part of what makes NSW’s marine life so beautiful, so we need to make sure we continue to have state of-the-art technology in place to allow them and beachgoers to coexist.

All eight NSW local councils with shark nets on their ocean beaches have officially revoked support for the devices in order to make way for a modernised approach that will improve swimmer safety and significantly reduce environmental impacts.   

Non-lethal solutions including drone surveillance, personal shark deterrents, and accessible education programs, are not only more technologically advanced but are also designed with nearly a century of advancements in understanding shark behaviour in mind. 

On Wednesday, 28 April 2021 the Northern Beaches Council announced it is calling on the NSW government to remove shark nets on beaches in the Council area and replace them with a combination of modern and effective alternative shark mitigation strategies that maintain or improve swimmer safety and reduce unwanted by-catch of non-target species.

Council made the call in response to the Department of Primary Industries – Fisheries (DPI Fisheries) request for input from stakeholders on their preferred shark mitigation measures, following a five-year project considering the benefits and impacts of a range of mitigation measures. 

A number of residents addressed the Council meeting the previous evening in support of shark net removal, including surfing champion Layne Beachley.

Then Deputy Mayor Candy Bingham said Council considered both the need to maintain or improve swimmer safety as well as the negative impacts on non-target marine species in reaching their decision.

“The effectiveness of shark nets has been questioned by many, yet their impact on other marine species is devastating,” Cr Bingham said.

“We have an aquatic reserve in Manly where turtles and rays are regularly seen by snorkelers, and up and down the beaches dolphins surf the waves alongside local board riders.

“The research conducted by DPI Fisheries found that 90% of marine species caught in nets were non-target species and that sharks can in fact swim over, under and around the nets anyhow.

“If the evidence is that there are other just as, or more, effective ways to mitigate shark risk, such as drone and helicopter surveillance, listening stations and deterrent devices, then we owe it to those non-target species to remove the nets.

‘We will be providing that feedback through this consultation process and look forward to the government implementing effective shark mitigation measures while protecting other important marine species.”

Conservation groups, Humane Society International Australia (‘HSI’) and the Australian Marine Conservation Society (‘AMCS’), have reiterated, after this years' data was released, their opposition to the nets, stating it is high time the shark meshing program in NSW was ended to make way for newer technologies that both improve swimmer safety and significantly reduce environmental impacts. HSI and AMCS are hoping the NSW DPI will design a modern bather protection program relying on these more effective and sophisticated technologies and consign the nets to history. 

Lawrence Chlebeck, marine biologist for Humane Society International Australia, said, “Each year, we are heartbroken to see so many more marine animals lose their lives, all for the false sense of security provided by shark nets. This season saw the loss of 21 more turtles, the highest amount in any season since catch data has been released and taking the total in that time to over 100. The indiscriminate deaths that occur as a result of the outdated Shark Meshing Program in NSW must end. 

The technology is nearly 100 years old, we would never accept safety technology that old in any other facet of our lives, why should ocean safety be any different? It is in everyone’s best interest that the nets are done away with.” 

Dr Leonardo Guida, shark scientist with AMCS, said, “The local communities want their beach safety standards modernised and the terrible cost to wildlife significantly reduced, if not eliminated altogether. Public sentiment and the science are in alignment—come  September the NSW Government should keep the nets out and the drones up.” 

Sea Shepherd Australia’s Threatened and Endangered Species Campaigner Lauren Sandeman said, “Given the shocking details in the 2021 State of the Environment Report, this assault on threatened and endangered species is indefensible. They’re catching anything but what they’re endeavouring to, and our ocean wildlife is paying the price.” 

“19 Green Turtles and 16 Leatherback turtles were caught this season, tripping the trigger point for the program requiring that NSW take action to reduce the program's impact on these species. The easiest way to do this would be to remove the nets entirely.”

In early August 2022 NSW Agriculture Minister Dugald Saunders confirmed plans were being discussed to allow councils to decide if shark nets were to be utilised off beaches in their council areas.

Central Coast MP Adam Crouch has said he is working with the Central Coast Council and Surf Lifesaving Central Coast to finally be rid of the nets along Central Coast Beaches, to replace them with up to date technology and techniques such as smart drum lines, shark monitoring buoys, education and drones.

“What we’ve seen is an indiscriminate killing of marine life, which is quite frankly a false sense of security,” Mr. Crouch “There’s a smart app that people can see shark movements [and] the listening stations can pick up shark movements.''

In an August 5th post on Facebook he stated;

''I want the Central Coast to be the first region to remove the shark nets. Next week I will be meeting with James Griffin MP and Dugald Saunders MP so we can do exactly that. With the new technology of smart drumlines, listening stations and drones delivered by the NSW State Government to our region it’s time for the nets to go.''

The Drumlines in our area as of May 2022 are at:

Also available:

DPI Drumlines buoy off South Palm Beach, May 14, 2022. Photo: A J Guesdon