Calls have gone out again for shark nets to be removed, after startling figures have been released.
Humane Society International Australia, has released new data from the NSW Department of Primary Industries, that shows that for Coledale, Austinmer, Thirroul, North Wollongong, South Wollongong, and Royal National Park beaches, a total of 38 non-target animals were caught this season, with 26 found dead.
Lawrence Chlebeck, Marine Biologist and Campaigner at HSI Australia, said: “Shark nets off Wollongong and the Royal National Park beaches caught an unacceptable amount of non-target species.
“Non-target animals killed by the shark nets included a dolphin, two green turtles and a leatherback turtle. The nets also managed to entangle a grey nurse shark – a critically endangered species. The fact that access to Garie Beach is closed, yet nets still exist off its waters, makes this wildlife cost even more unacceptable and undefendable.”
