Animal activists fail to turn tide as shark nets return

Controversial shark nets will be used at NSW beaches for the next seven months, despite increasing calls for their removal to stop unnecessary animal deaths. Conservation groups have long campaigned against the nets, suggesting they catch and kill far more other sea creatures than sharks, with more humane alternatives available. This season - which began on Sunday - will be one month shorter than usual, after the NSW government brought the end date forward to March 31, 2025. But Premier Chris Minns has previously ruled out scrapping the nets, which have been set up annually for more than eight decades at beaches from Wollongong to Newcastle. The Humane Society International Australia called on the government to live up to a commitment to consult with local councils on the use of shark nets, suggesting they had "repeatedly" said they do not want them. "Shortening the meshing program is a positive step, but it's only by one month so it's hardly a win for the marine animals that will die in the nets," marine biologist Lauren Sandeman said. "This period will still kill endangered marine turtles as well as the critically-endangered grey nurse shark." Australian Marine Conservation Society shark expert Leonardo Guida said the nets were "redundant" because of less lethal options available to authorities. "The government literally has solutions in their hands – technologies such as drone surveillance, personal shark deterrents and their leading SharkSmart education program are improving safety without harming marine life," he said. "It's time the government retires the nets and fully embraces these myriad solutions." Sea Shepherd Australia will host a community forum at Bondi Beach on Sunday morning, promoting its petition to remove the nets.