Rare marine animals killed by NSW shark nets, study shows.

Recent data has revealed a concerning number of marine animal deaths in New South Wales due to shark nets. The numbers are staggering - a total of 130 animals, 10 of which are endangered, have been found lifeless in the nets this season. This information was obtained by Humane Society International from the NSW Department of Primary Industries, and it paints a grim picture of the impact these nets are having on our precious marine life.

Out of the 208 non-shark animals caught in the nets from September to April, a shocking 134 were found dead. Among them were five critically endangered grey nurse sharks, four endangered leatherback turtles, and one endangered loggerhead turtle. These deaths are not only heartbreaking, but they also highlight the urgent need for change in the use of shark nets as a form of protection.

According to the data, a staggering 93% of the marine animals caught in the nets were not the intended targets. Only 36% of them were released back into the ocean alive. Marine biologist Lawrence Chlebeck expressed frustration with these statistics, stating that the communities living near these beaches are tired of these nets being responsible for the needless deaths of innocent wildlife.

The Shark Meshing Program, which involves the installation of shark nets on beaches from Newcastle to Wollongong, is set to end today for the season. However, Humane Society International has pointed out that these nets are not the only option for protecting beachgoers from potential shark attacks. Alternative measures such as SMART drumlines, alert systems, and drone surveillance have been in place for over a decade and are already installed on every netted beach.

The group commissioned an independent poll that found that 4 out of 5 Australians, including 83% of New South Wales residents, understand the risks of swimming in the ocean and take responsibility for their actions. This further emphasizes the need for a more effective and humane approach to shark protection.

As a result, campaigners are calling on Premier Chris Minns to put an end to the use of these "outdated technologies". With NSW having one of the best-funded and most advanced shark risk strategies in the world, it is time for the government to retire these ineffective and harmful nets. Australian Marine Conservation Society shark scientist Leonardo Guida agrees, stating that public sentiment and scientific evidence are aligned, and it is time to prioritize the use of alternatives like drones instead of nets.

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