The NSW Greens are launching a fresh push to remove shark nets off Hunter beaches, following the release of a state government report.
It found throughout the 2017-18 period, 93 marine animals became caught in the nets, with 42% dying as a result.
Several of those were non-target species like turtles and rays and threatened Grey Nurse Sharks.
Marine life caught off Newcastle, Bar, Stockton, Dixon Park, Merewether and Redhead account for 23% of the creatures snagged in nets between Newcastle and Wollongong.
Greens MP Justin Field wants to see money funnelled into other bather protection methods such as life-saver monitored drones.
"I'm calling on NSW Primary Industries Minister Niall Blair to abandon the shark net program...and to redirect those resources into more effective, non-lethal technologies, including the targeted use of SMART drumlines," Mr Field said.
"The best long-term solution is to move away entirely from lethal options like shark nets to community-based observer programs," he continued, "better resourcing volunteer and professional life-guarding services, drone surveillance technology and community awareness..."
It comes as Summer netting preparations get underway for a September start.
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| Image: SunshineCoast Daily. |
