Popular Aussie beaches set for drastic change as controversial tactic ends
Marine conservationists urge NSW government to end shark nets after councils vote against them
Newcastle, Australia, Shark Nets, Marine Conservation, Public Safety
Newcastle: Marine conservationists are pushing the NSW government to take action and officially end the use of shark nets. This comes after seven coastal councils, including Newcastle, voted against bringing back these controversial devices.
Shark nets have been around since 1937 and are used at 51 beaches from Newcastle to Wollongong. But now, with Newcastle council’s recent vote, six other councils have joined in rejecting their use. Only Randwick is left to decide, with a vote coming up in late February.
Lawrence Chlebeck, a marine biologist with Humane Society International, has been a long-time advocate for banning shark nets. He shared his thoughts with Yahoo News Australia, expressing hope that the recent consultations and data will lead to the end of these nets, which harm marine life.
Chlebeck pointed out that shark nets kill hundreds of marine animals each year, including dolphins and turtles. He believes that stopping their use would not only save these creatures but also change how we think about public safety in the ocean.
Public opinion in NSW is shifting, with many people now favoring the removal of shark nets. There’s a growing concern about their environmental impact, and many argue they don’t significantly improve swimmer safety. Interestingly, some Australians seem unfazed by sharks, as seen when swimmers returned to the water shortly after a shark alarm at Manly beach.
Surveys show that most residents support alternative shark safety measures like drone surveillance and better education about shark behavior. These modern solutions are seen as more effective and less harmful to marine ecosystems. It’s clear that the community wants the state government to rethink its approach to shark management.