THE NSW Government is carrying out a comprehensive survey to seek community input regarding the testing of shark nets on the Far North Coast
CLICK HERE: You have until 5 pm, November 6th 2016 to take part in this landmark survey.
The DPI is already committed to conducting a six-month trial of shark nets, beginning late 2016, to reduce the risk of shark encounters on the North Coast.
The trial will complement the Government’s $16 million Shark Management Strategy, and the ongoing Shark Meshing (Bather Protection) Program.
DPI has already met with community representatives to inform them of the trial, including possible locations.
- Shark nets are installed near a beach, according to prevailing conditions, generally parallel to the beach near surf clubs and patrolled swimming areas
- Shark nets do not create an enclosed area, or provide a barrier between beachgoers and sharks. They are designed to reduce the likelihood of shark interactions by catching large, potentially dangerous sharks aggregating near the netted beach
- Shark nets currently used in NSW are 150 metres long by 6 metres deep, with a mesh size of 60 cm, set below the surface in about 10 to 12 metres of water, within 500 metres of the shore
- Shark nets are fitted with ‘whale alarms’ and ‘dolphin pingers’ to deter marine mammals from the netted area