Shark nets could be removed at Bondi Beach amid a controversial move by Minns government

Despite fears for what it might do to the tourism industry, a measure at one of Australia’s most popular swimming destinations is set to be removed.

Shark nets could be scrapped at one of Australia’s most iconic beaches as the NSW government plans to remove nets across the state one month early.

Bondi Beach could soon be without its 150m-long meshing amid growing concerns for marine life being caught in nets off the NSW coast.

Following the decision to remove the nets one month earlier than usual on March 31, 2025, the Minns government is set to provide coastal councils with the choice to remove nets entirely if they can ensure the safety of swimmers and beachgoers.

Shark nets are installed at 51 beaches between Newcastle and Wollongong from September 1 to April 30 each year as increased shark activity occurs during these months.

Shark nets could be removed entirely if councils along the NSW coast can ensure the safety of beachgoers. Picture: NewsWire / Jeremy Piper

Increased fish migration through coastal waters between September and April mean sharks who are following their food source are often spotted along the coast.

Increased numbers of people in the water during the warmer months also contribute to higher numbers of sightings and encounters.

Under the government’s newly released 2024-25 Shark Management Program, nets will be inspected by contractors every second to every third day and drone surveillance will be increased throughout March to search for trapped turtles during the days contractors are not completing inspections.

The $21.5m program will also include the introduction of lighting fixtures near the nets to discourage turtles from swimming closer.

The consultation process could mean some councils between Newcastle and Wollongong will choose to have the nets removed, while others may elect to keep them in place.

Waverley Council, which encompasses Bondi and Bronte beaches, has long voiced its disapproval of shark meshing.

Shark nets at the popular beaches within the council area, which are 150m long, six metres high and sit at a depth of about 10 metres high, could be scrapped.

Last year, Waverley Mayor Paula Masseslos called on the state government to look at alternative mitigation strategies such as modern technology to help keep people safe at the beach.

A report has found just 36 per cent of animals caught in nets were released alive between 2023 and 2024. Picture: Humane Society International (Australia)

While some nets may be removed, baited SMART drumlines, drone surveillance, listening stations and community education programs will continue to operate across the NSW coast.

Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty said while the NSW government’s priority was the safety of beachgoers, it was also committed to protecting the state’s marine life.

“We will be working closely with local governments, SLSNSW and Surfing NSW over this season to ensure the future of this program works for the communities it operates in,” she said.

“Importantly, this year we have responded to community feedback and taken significant steps to increase the program’s safeguards for marine animals.”

Ms Moriarty said the government would consider the best available evidence to ensure it was “striking the right balance” at NSW beaches.

A Department of Primary Industries report revealed 255 marine animals were caught in shark nets off the NSW coast during the 2023 to 2024 period, with only 15 of the animals targeted sharks, according to The Daily Telegraph.

Just 36 per cent of all animals caught by the nets were released alive.

The report also found more than 90 rays and 29 marine turtles were caught in the nets, with a further 65 animals being endangered species.

This included 13 green turtles, five bottlenose dolphins and one humpback whale.

But new data has revealed removing the nets could come at a cost to tourism if the fear of shark attacks increased.

A NSW government survey found the tourism industry could experience an almost 15 per cent hit, as more than 14 per cent of respondents said they would not visit or would seriously reconsider visiting NSW if a shark attack were to occur.