The six-month trial of shark nets on north coast beaches is due to finish on June 13 (weather and whale activity-dependent).  The NSW DPI is seeking community feedback on the trial in a repeat of their pre-trial survey. Dr Daniel Butcher prepared the following 3 questions to take into account when considering your response.

1. Did the nets actually do what they were supposed to do (i.e. Substantially reduce the risk of shark attack on local beaches)?

My answer: After 5 months (one month of data still to be published) on 5 beaches the nets intercepted a total of 6 dangerous sharks (4 white, 2 tiger and 1 bull shark), four of which were caught in the first month. Given the numbers observed by aerial surveys and the numbers caught by Smart drumlines you would have to say that no one would have noticed the difference in risk. On some of the netted beaches no dangerous sharks were caught at all.

2. Did the nets have an unacceptable impact on other animals?

My answer: in 5 months the nets killed a total of 128 non-target animals including 3 dolphins, 5 turtles, 7 manta rays, 65 other harmless rays, 22 great hammerhead sharks and 1 grey nurse shark (the last 2 species are not considered a risk to bathers or surfers and both are threatened and protected species). For the sake of the insignificant risk reduction I think that this loss is unacceptable. Some net supporters claim that the nets are valuable because they make people feel safer, even if they are not, and that is good for business. I guess its a value judgement, but it makes me sick.

3. Finally, if we really want to make beaches safer by intercepting sharks, then you have to ask is there is a better option that is more effective and less damaging.

Over the same time frame as the net trials DPI have also used SMART drumlines to catch, tag and relocate dangerous sharks. They have caught 29 target sharks and 2 grey nurse sharks (all of which except for one white shark have been released alive). There was no by-catch mortality. Sounds like a much better alternative to me, although I think that aerial observation and greater support for surf lifesaving is the preferred option over interfering with the animals.

What do you think? You have the chance to make a difference. Tell DPI by completing the survey at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au