Greenpeace ‘Horrified at random killing of marine life’ and call for non-lethal alternatives to shark nets to protect swimmers

Sydney, 17 January 2017: Greenpeace Australia Pacific says new figures on marine life killed by nets through the NSW shark meshing programme are horrifying and show the need for non-lethal options, which could prove more effective at protecting swimmers.

“There is no conclusive evidence that nets are effective at preventing human-shark encounters and these alarming new government figures show that dolphins, turtles, rays, endangered shark species and other wildlife are being unnecessarily killed by the nets,” said Greenpeace campaigner Alix Foster.

“The DPI itself found that about 40% of sharks trapped in NSW nets are found on the beach side.

“The NSW government’s own Fisheries Scientific Committee shed doubt on meshing. Its own review process recommended trialling a range of non-lethal options. These could even prove more effective at protecting ocean-goers.”

She concluded: “The net trial on the NSW North Coast should be replaced by a renewed trial of scientific solutions, such as electromagnetic barriers and spotting programs.”

Links to NSW Department of Primary Industries reports:

• Shark Meshing (Bather Protection) Program 2015-16 Annual Performance Report
• NSW North Coast Shark Meshing Trial Report
• Shark Deterrents and Detectors: Review of Bather Protection Technologies
• Final Recommendation: Current Shark Meshing Program in New South Wales Waters