Shark nets at Manly Beach will be removed on 31 March, a month earlier than usual, as part of the updated Shark Meshing (Bather Protection) Program. The decision, aimed at reducing harm to marine life, has divided opinion among locals, with some supporting the initiative for marine conservation while others express concerns about swimmer safety.
Background: NSW Shark Meshing Program
The NSW Government’s Shark Meshing (Bather Protection) Program operates across 51 beaches from Newcastle to Wollongong, including Manly. The nets specifically target great white, tiger, and bull sharks to reduce interactions between swimmers and large predatory sharks. However, these nets do not create a full barrier. Sharks can swim over or around them.
Typically, shark nets have been removed at the end of April as part of the seasonal program. The latest changes bring the removal date forward by a month. This initiative focuses on protecting marine life, particularly turtles, which are more active in April.
Why Are the Nets Being Removed Early?
The early removal is part of an effort to address the high rate of bycatch, where non-target marine species become entangled in the nets. Reports indicate that over 90% of animals caught in the nets are non-target species, including whales, dolphins, turtles, and rays. In data from the Northern Beaches, nearly half of the marine creatures caught in the nets did not survive, while no target sharks were captured during the same period.
To reduce these impacts, the updated program introduces several new measures:
- Earlier removal of nets on 31 March instead of 30 April to coincide with increased turtle activity.
- More frequent net inspections, increasing from every third day to every second day in February and March.
- Daily drone monitoring by Surf Life Saving NSW to complement net inspections.
- A trial of underwater lights on nets in February and March to deter turtles and prevent entanglements.
Community Reactions: Divided Opinions on Shark Nets
The decision to take down the nets earlier than usual has sparked debate within the Manly community.
Some residents believe that shark nets create a false sense of security, as most shark incidents occur outside netted areas. They argue that nets are outdated and ineffective and cause significant harm to marine life. There is a growing call for non-lethal alternatives like drone surveillance, smart drumlines, and public shark alerts via mobile apps.
Others, however, view shark nets as an essential safety measure. Many recall past shark sightings in Manly and surrounding beaches before nets were introduced. Some believe that historical data supports the effectiveness of nets in reducing serious incidents at netted beaches.
While concerns about swimmer safety persist, there is also recognition that nets alone do not guarantee protection, as sharks can still pass over or around them.
What’s Next? The Future of Shark Nets in NSW
The NSW officials have not announced plans for a permanent removal. However, the shift toward earlier removal and increased monitoring suggests a gradual move towards alternative shark mitigation methods. With the nets set to come down at Manly Beach on 31 March, discussions about swimmer safety and marine conservation are expected to continue in the months ahead.
Published 6-Mar-2025
