The NSW government has pulled back on its plan to remove shark nets off beaches across the state following the death of surfer Mercury Psillakis over the weekend.
Despite the decision being of best interest, critics and marine experts have continued to question the effectiveness of shark nets in protecting swimmers, alongside their severe environmental impacts.
It is proven that most shark nets degrade overtime and lose their composure from the tide and current going into shore. Shark Nets also are guilty of capturing and restricting non-shark species and more importantly sea creatures that are not hostile nor harmful.
While NSW remain the most progressive out of any state when it comes to this matter, there still needs to be a greater cause to implement alternative strategies when mitigating the chance of shark attacks. Some promoted ideas include greater prominence of smart drum lines, ocean surveillance systems, as well as greater awareness training for encountering sharks in the ocean.
The NSW government said in a statement earlier today that they will not resume the shark net removals until The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development come back with their report over last weekend’s incident.
Image: Image: Shutterstock – Wozzie
Produced By: James Bale
Featured In Story: Dr Vincent Raoult – Marine Ecologist and Shark Expert, Griffith University Gold Coast
First aired on The Wire, Wednesday 10 September 2025