Manta ray trapped in Rainbow Beach shark net sparks fresh removal calls

Conservationists have renewed calls to scrap Queensland’s shark nets after a large manta ray became entangled at Rainbow Beach on Sunday.

A large manta ray has become entangled in a shark net along the Wide Bay coast, renewing calls to ditch the controversial safety device.

Conservationist group Sea Shepherd Australia shared an alarming video of a large manta ray trapped in a Rainbow Beach shark net on Sunday.

“This beautiful animal is just one of hundreds who become entangled in these nets every year, just for a false sense of security,” the group posted on Facebook.

The latest in a spate of entanglements has renewed calls to ditch shark nets, which are notorious for trapping non-shark species. Picture: Sea Shepherd Australia

The manta ray was released alive some time later after a government contractor managed to free the animal, but it was unknown whether the ray was injured.

Sea Shepherd Australia is one of many groups pushing for the removal of shark nets in Queensland, pointing to their “ineffectiveness” and track record of catching non-target species, including dolphins, turtles and rays.

“Queensland is the only state left in Australia which still keeps shark nets in the migratory path of whales,” the group said.

“After over 60 years of this program, there remains no evidence that shark nets and drumlines do anything to improve beachgoer safety.

“Queensland’s own Scientific Working Group that advises the Shark ‘Control’ Program has supported the removal of these nets during whale season for years now.”

The organisation shared their petition to the state government to replace shark nets with “non-lethal alternatives”, which has come after a spate of non-shark entanglements, including multiple whale trappings.

Originally published as Manta ray trapped in Rainbow Beach shark net sparks fresh removal calls