For decades, shark nets have been used as a supposed safeguard to protect beachgoers from sharks. But these nets are outdated and cruel – entangling and killing not only sharks but also a wide variety of marine life, including rays, dolphins, turtles, and even non-target fish species. These nets do not effectively protect swimmers and surfers, as evidenced by the countless non-target animals that become victims, and they certainly don't stop sharks from entering beaches.
Sign this petition to urge the New South Wales government to put an end to shark nets and move forward with more humane and effective shark management solutions!
Shark nets may seem like an easy fix, but they don't actually stop sharks from swimming near beaches. What they do is cause horrific suffering to innocent marine creatures, including the critically endangered grey nurse sharks, which are often mistakenly caught in the nets. In fact, over 250 marine creatures, including harmless animals, were caught in the nets in just one year, and only 36% were released alive.
The reality is that shark nets provide a false sense of security to beachgoers while creating devastation in the ocean. Rather than protecting people, they trap and kill animals that do not pose a danger. It's time to leave behind these ineffective, inhumane practices.
We don't need to continue using outdated methods that harm the very creatures we're supposed to be protecting. There are safer, more effective alternatives that have been shown to reduce shark incidents without harming marine life. Technologies such as drone patrols, SMART drumlines, and shark monitoring systems can protect people without causing unnecessary death and suffering to animals.
Sign this petition today to call on the New South Wales government to stop using shark nets, prioritize humane alternatives, and protect both people and marine life!
