Every year, NSW’s coastal waters become a killing field—not for humans, but for marine animals caught in outdated and ineffective shark nets. These nets, installed at some of our most iconic beaches, are not a safety solution; they are a hazard, indiscriminately ensnaring and killing marine life while giving beachgoers a false sense of security.
Research from the University of Wollongong has shown that nets are ineffective at protecting beachgoers whilst indiscriminately killing countless marine animals. In fact, dying animals caught in shark nets may even attract more sharks close to the shoreline on netted beaches. According to Dr. Chris Pepin-Neff, there is more scientific evidence to say that shark nets attract sharks to local beaches than there is to say that shark nets prevent shark attacks.
But while they do not protect human life, what shark nets are really good at is killing animals – including protected and threatened species. In the 2024-2025 season alone, more than 220 marine animals were caught in NSW shark nets. Over two-thirds of them died. Among the victims were dolphins, threatened leatherback turtles and critically endangered grey nurse sharks.
This mass slaughter is not only cruel—it’s ecologically reckless. Our marine life is already under pressure from pollution, habitat loss, and climate change. The continued use of shark nets adds unnecessary and preventable suffering.
Shark nets are a relic of the 1930s, based more on fear than fact. But we know this. The Government knows this. So why have governments continued to use shark nets?
The answer lies in politics, not public safety. Successive governments are clinging to the illusion of protection because they’re afraid. But they aren’t afraid of sharks, they are afraid of headlines like the ones we’ve seen over the last few days. There is a longstanding fear among political decision-makers that removing shark nets could be potrayed as “soft on safety,” even when the science and the data say otherwise. Rather than leading with facts and compassion, successive governments have chosen to stay the course, allowing this destructive program to continue year after year out of a fear of sensational news headlines.
This isn’t leadership—it’s cowardice dressed up as caution.
But the reality is that the failure of to move away from ineffective shark nets and towards effective alternatives is putting beachgoers at risk. Using outdated technology proven to be ineffective rather than switching to what works and is backed by science is also putting our lives at risk. The NSW Labor Government needs to do the work required to protect both beachgoers and threatened marine animals.
Councils and communities have had enough of fear-mongering and are wanting genuine safety solutions. Coastal councils like Wollongong, Sutherland, Waverley, Central Coast, Randwick and the Northern Beaches have already voted for shark nets to be removed. Surfers, swimmers, marine scientists, and wildlife rescuers are united in their call for science-backed, compassionate alternatives—like drone surveillance, shark-spotting programs, personal deterrents, and public education.
These modern, non-lethal strategies actually work. And no, SMART Drumlines are not part of these humane alternatives. These baited hooks still cause serious harm to marine animals — including sharks, turtles, and rays — leading to high levels of stress, injury, suffering, and in many cases, drowning or death. If the NSW Government continues to default to a policy it knows is failing, the price will be paid by our marine wildlife.
The decision about whether to redeploy shark nets for another season is imminent. This is a chance for the government to do better—to listen to the science, respond to public sentiment, and stop repeating the same mistake every summer.
Let’s be honest with the public: shark nets offer no real protection. Let’s respect our ocean ecosystems and commit to real, evidence-based safety measures that keep both people and wildlife safe. The illusion has gone on long enough and the safety of beachgoers and our marine life has been ignored for too long.
It’s time to cut the nets—for good.
Feature image: Emma Hurst.
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Emma Hurst is a member of Parliament in the NSW Upper House, and a former psychologist and vegan bodybuilder. She was elected to the New South Wales Legislative Council representing the Animal Justice Party at the 2019 state election.
Paul de Gelder is world renowned motivational speaker, author, and former elite Australian navy clearance diver who survived a catastrophic bull shark attack in 2009. After losing his right hand and leg, he defied odds by returning to military diving and later transitioned into global speaking, TV hosting, acting, and writing. A familiar face on Discovery Channel’s Shark Week, Paul also champions ocean conservation and resilience through his inspiring story and advocacy.