A dramatic rescue of an endangered leatherback turtle off Dee Why Beach has reignited an ongoing debate over shark nets along the NSW coast, and whether a decision needs to be made to remove these controversial barriers.
Turtle Rescue at Dee Why
In March 2024, lifeguards at Dee Why Beach on Sydney’s Northern Beaches saved a possibly 100-year-old leatherback turtle entangled in shark nets about one kilometre offshore. The rescue, captured on drone footage, showed the exhausted animal struggling to free itself from the netting that covered its entire body.
Northern Beaches lifeguards David Hooper and Tiaan Cronje responded quickly to the distressed turtle. The lifeguards spent over 20 minutes carefully cutting away the netting to free the turtle.
Shark Net Program Changes
Following incidents like the one at Dee Why, the NSW government has announced plans to remove shark nets one month earlier than usual, on 31 March 2025. This decision is part of a broader initiative to reassess shark mitigation strategies along the NSW coast, including at popular beaches like Dee Why.
Recent data has highlighted the toll of shark nets on marine ecosystems. Of 255 marine animals caught in the 2023-24 season, only 15 were target shark species. Alarmingly, 65 endangered animals were caught, including green turtles, bottlenose dolphins, and a humpback whale.
Alternative Safety Measures
While some nets may be removed, other safety measures will remain in place at beaches like Dee Why. These include baited SMART drumlines, drone surveillance, listening stations, and community education programs.
“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,” Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty stated.
Consultations with coastal councils will be scheduled, with measures potentially allowing them to choose how to keep their beaches safe up for discussion. This could mean the removal of nets at beaches like Dee Why in the future.
Published 2-Aug-2024
