Professor Christopher Pepin-Neff, an expert from the University of Sydney, has fought against shark nets for nearly 20 years. His research interests revolve around their effectiveness in the complex coastal waters of Australia. His conclusions raise alarming doubts about how successful these nets can be at stopping shark attacks. They even recommend that these nets could be misleadingly effective at attracting sharks toward shark-infested, crowded beach areas. These 150-metre-long netting systems are deployed at 50 beaches from Newcastle to Wollongong including Dee Why. Their goal is to improve public safety by safely and humanely deterring sharks. According to Professor Pepin-Neff, that’s an oversimplified picture.
Shark nets usually float at the top of the water, leaving bottoms and sides open. However, they do not form an effective barrier to marine life. As Professor Pepin-Neff explained, how well these nets work can differ significantly based on the type of shark. In particular, he points out that they might be effective for bull sharks, which often linger close to shore. They do not provide robust protection for highly migratory pelagic species such as great white sharks.
Evidence of Attraction
Professor Pepin-Neff argues that there is significant evidence indicating shark nets can lure sharks to nearby beaches. Rather than preventing them from entering, these nets could attract them. He notes that sharks are drawn to sounds and vibrations of wounded fish, and to keep that in mind. This attraction can lead them deeper into waters populated with swimmers.
“Sharks are attracted to the vibrations and sounds underwater of struggling fish. And the nets are just a regular fishing net.” – Professor Pepin-Neff
He goes on to explain that shark nets don’t catch sharks from far offshore.
“The shark would probably need to already be in the general vicinity. It doesn’t get a shark from six miles away.” – Professor Pepin-Neff
This calls into question how effective shark nets are at protecting swimmers without killing sharks. It underscores the extreme necessity for better understanding of shark behavior.
Historical Context and Current Challenges
Past efforts to use shark nets have struggled. She recalls one colossal blunder in stark detail. The very first shark net at Coogee Beach, installed in 1929, soon succumbed to the forces of nature.
“This was the first shark net. They put it on a wire, hung it in front of Coogee Beach,” – Professor Pepin-Neff
“At the opening ceremony, when they went to cut the ribbon, a stiff wave came, snapped the wire, and it washed ashore and everyone freaked out.” – Professor Pepin-Neff
Beyond these past symbolic mistakes, real logistical challenges remain even today. High swells, strong currents, and marine debris can sweep these nets off shore, negating their purpose.
“Mother Nature — we build things in the ocean — and Mother Nature blows it down,” – Professor Pepin-Neff
Alternative Approaches to Shark Management
In view of the drawbacks of shark nets, shark experts recommend a more sophisticated strategy to keeping beaches safe. Paul Butcher, formerly for the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. He’s a leading advocate of, and global participant in, a number of shark attack prevention programs. He warns that if we want to create safer beaches, we need a diverse approach.
“There’s no sort of golden ticket here in terms of reducing shark bites.” – Dr. Butcher
As Butcher tells it, New South Wales uses more than 300 smart drum lines per day. These lines run all the way from Merimbula on the South Coast to Kingscliff on the North Coast. These tools have increased stakeholder engagement, paving the way for more efficient monitoring and management of local shark populations.
“We have 305 smart drum lines deployed daily between Merimbula on the South Coast to Kingscliff on the North Coast,” – Paul Butcher
He is not minimizing that researchers have tagged about 1,500 white sharks, 700 tiger sharks and 230 bull sharks. Tracking their movements remains a considerable challenge.
“We have around 1,500 white sharks, 700 tiger sharks and 230 bull sharks that are tagged, so they’re just a fraction of the total population,” – Dr. Butcher
