Shark Nets “Completely Ineffective” in Preventing Attacks

“We’re talking about a tiny strip of gill net that’s deployed at 51 beaches between Newcastle and Wollongong,” Lauren Sandeman, a marine biologist, told Sunrise. “It’s designed not as a barrier, but to entangle and kill marine life. We know that they are completely ineffective at reducing shark bites in people. And they have a horrendous environmental impact on our marine life. Today, we have so many modern alternatives that have proven to be effective. It’s time to end this program.”

Specifically, when it comes to the “modern alternatives” mentioned above, that means drones. Across the globe, the use of drone surveillance to monitor shark activity at popular beaches has become the go-to method of attack prevention. Per a program in New South Wales, they’re advocating for the continued use of this tech: “This is life-saving technology. The drones allow lifesavers to spot the risk and get straight to work to prevent a potential attack or drowning. We are committed to improving water safety and reducing the number of preventable deaths in the water.”

Sadly, the shark conversation in Australia has been roaring recently, with the disappearance and presumed death of 28-year-old Lance Appleby, who was attacked while surfing in South Australia.

But with drones, included with tagging and monitoring, experts are hopeful for future safety. Sandeman added:

“These are the layers of mitigation that are proven to help keep people safe. People have never been safer at our beaches with these modern technologies. A small strip of fishing net is not adding to safety.”