For the first time, this year shark nets were removed from NSW beaches from 31 March 2025, one month earlier than usual. This is our chance to make sure they never return. 

These nets don’t keep people safe. Nearly 40% of sharks caught are found beach side, trapped while trying to swim back to open water. Meanwhile 90% of animals caught are non-target species including critically endangered grey nurse sharks, endangered loggerhead turtles, dolphins, rays and even humpback whales. Most of them die.

The NSW Government is reviewing the future of shark nets, surveying the 8 coastal councils with netted beaches whether they want nets or modern and humane alternatives like drones. With not one council voting to support keeping the nets, it’s time to get rid of them once and for all.