The NSW Government says it will continue to engage with local councils on shark management with a focus on the future use of shark nets, and the exploration of local decision-making on the removal or use of nets.
The Government today released its $21.5 million 2024-25 Shark Management Program, which includes a suite of new measures to be trialled to increase protections for marine life while keeping shark nets in use, including:
- Removing shark nets one month earlier, on 31 March 2025, to respond to increased turtle activity in April;
- Increasing the frequency of net inspections by contractors during March from every 3rd day to every 2nd day;
- SLS drone surveillance increased over nets during March to scout for turtles on the days contractors aren’t inspecting;
- Trial of lights on nets to deter turtles and prevent their entanglement during February and March.
The Government says the program is designed to protect the safety of beach users from the 25 state’s local government areas from Tweed to Bega, by reducing interactions with sharks, whilst minimising the impact on other marine life.
It says a range of techniques will be used in 2024-25 to achieve this objective, such as:
- Drone surveillance program using 50 drones, partnering with Surf Life Saving NSW;
- 37 tagged shark listening stations, all year round along the NSW coast;
- 305 SMART (Shark-Management-Alert-in-Real-Time) drumlines across 19 LGAs, all year;
- Shark nets at 51 beaches across eight LGAs, 1 September 2024 to 31 March 25;
- Funding Surfing NSW $500,000 to provide mitigation support and services including trauma response kits, drones and training;
- SharkSmart community education program, including shark and social research.
“The NSW Government’s priority is the safety of beach goers, at the same time we are committed to protecting our states marine life,” said Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty.
“We will be working closely with local governments, SLSNSW and Surfing NSW over this season to ensure the future of this program works for the communities it operates in.
“Importantly, this year we have responded to community feedback and taken significant steps to increase the program’s safeguards for marine animals.
“As we map the future of this program we will listen to local communities, and consider the best available evidence to ensure we are striking the right balance at our beaches,” she said.
