On September 9 2025 Premier of NSW Chris Minns stated the proposed trial of shark net removal at three beaches, including one on the Manly to Barrenjoey peninsula, will not happen this year following a fatality at Long Reef Beach on Saturday, September 6.
On Sunday September 7 Premier Chris Minns announced a pause on the shark net trial while the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) investigates the incident.
But on September 9, Minns said the trial would not go ahead this year at all.
Minister for Agriculture the Hon. Tara Moriarty confirmed government biologists had determined a White Shark, approximately 3.4m-3.6m long, was likely responsible.
Ms Moriarty said extra SMART drumlines had been deployed between Dee Why and Long Reef, and Surf Life Saving NSW had added drone and helicopter patrols in response, where the usual SLS drone program for Spring would have started on September 27.
“Our thoughts are with Mercury Psillakis, his wife and family, plus the first responders,” Ms Moriarty said.
Visit: Narrabeen to Manly Beaches Closed After Fatal Shark Incident at Dee Why - Heartbreak for family and community
The fatality occurred in an area where shark nets were already in place, the irony of which has not gone unnoticed.
Nets had been installed six days earlier as part of DPI’s seasonal program, a move that had already stirred political tension.
“Whether a beach is netted or not, they can still be extremely dangerous,” Shadow Minister for the Central Coast Adam Crouch.
He confirmed it does not change the position of Central Coast Council to proceed with a trial removal, which he supports.
Central Coast Council extended condolences and reaffirmed it would continue to work with DPI on shark management.
Along with expressing sympathy during this sad and tragic time, Sea Shepherd Australia’s Jonathan Clark urged continued investment in non-lethal methods.
“We believe in protecting ocean users with the best available alternatives backed by science and technology, and support the continuation of the net removal trial,” he said.
Marine Wildlife Rescue NSW highlighted the broader context.
“We are only one species on this planet, and we have to learn to live with nature by evaluating the risks,” spokesperson Ronny Ling said.
“We do not own the ocean.”
Research continues into personal deterrents.
A Flinders University study found electrode stickers placed under surfboards reduced White Shark interactions by 56%, while Chillax Wax reduced them by 14%.
Another study showed lightweight fabrics bonded to wetsuits increased resistance to bites and had potential for reducing blood loss – the leading cause of fatality from shark-related injury.
Meanwhile, broader injury data shows shark bites remain statistically rare.
iSelect analysis found only 270 marine animal-related hospitalisations, including but not limited to sharks, in 2023-24, which represented just 0.8% of animal injury cases. This compares with 10,345 dog-related hospitalisations in the same period.
Shark Meshing (Bather Protection) Program 2024-25 Annual Performance Report Released
Premier Minns' decision came just as the Shark Meshing (Bather Protection) Program 2024-25 Annual Performance Report was released.
This states that during the 2024/25 meshing season (Sept – Mar), there were two verified, unprovoked shark-human interactions at unmeshed ocean beaches along the NSW coastline. Both interactions were outside of the SMP area of operation and occurred at: North Shore Beach, Port Macquarie in the Mid North Coast region (serious injuries to leg); and Main/Clarkes Beach, Byron Bay on the Far North Coast (minor injuries to foot). A third unprovoked interaction did occur within the SMP region of operation but was not at an ocean beach, it was in a coastal estuary at Gunyah Beach, Bundeena (serious injuries sustained to leg).
The report states a total of 223 marine animals were caught in the SMP during the 2024/25 meshing season, comprised of 24 target sharks and 199 non-target animals. Seventy-four animals (33%) were released alive, which means 67% or 149 perished in the nets.
The 24 target sharks comprised 18 White Sharks, 4 Bull Sharks and 2 Tiger Sharks.
The 199 interactions with non-target animals consisted of:
- 117 non-target sharks, including 48 Smooth Hammerhead Sharks; 16 Bronze Whaler Sharks*; 12 Dusky Whaler Sharks*; 11 Greynurse Sharks; 6 Spinner Sharks*; 5 Shortfin Mako Sharks*; 4 Broadnose Sevengill Sharks*; 3 Common Blacktip Sharks*; 3 unidentified sharks; 2 Great Hammerhead Sharks; 2 unidentified whaler sharks*; 1 Australian Angel Shark; 1 unidentified hammerhead shark; 1 Port Jackson Shark; 1 Scalloped Hammerhead Shark; and 1 Silky Shark* (* reported as target sharks prior to 2017).
- 56 rays, including 2 8 Southern Eagle Rays; 22 Australian Cownose Rays; 4 Smooth Stingrays; 1 Devil Ray; and 1 Eastern Shovelnose Ray.
- 13 marine reptiles comprised of: 7 Green Turtles; 3 Leatherback Turtles; 2 Loggerhead Turtles; and 1 Olive Ridley Turtle.
- 4 marine mammals comprised of: 3 Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins; and 1 Common Dolphin; and
- 9 interactions with finfish (4 Longtail Tuna, 3 Australian Bonito, and 2 Mackerel Tuna).
Forty-four (20%) of the interactions were with species threatened with extinction comprised of: 18 White Sharks; 11 Greynurse Sharks; 7 Green Turtles; 3 Leatherback Turtles; 2 Loggerhead Turtles; 2 Great Hammerhead Sharks; and 1 Scalloped Hammerhead Shark.
Five (2%) of the interactions were with protected species comprised of: 3 Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins; 1 Common Dolphin; and 1 Olive Ridley Turtle.
Forty-nine of those 223 interactions were with threatened with extinction or protected species, including:
- 18 White Sharks (10 dead, 8 released alive)
- 11 Greynurse Sharks (4 dead, 7 released alive)
- 7 Green Turtles (3 dead, 4 released alive)
- 3 Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins (dead)
- 3 Leatherback Turtles (2 dead, 1 released alive)
- 2 Great Hammerhead Sharks (dead)
- 2 Loggerhead Turtles (1 dead, 1 released alive)
- 1 Common Dolphin (dead)
- 1 Olive Ridley Turtle (dead)
- 1 Scalloped Hammerhead Shark (dead)
In addition, there were 168 interactions with other non-target species, including:
- 56 Rays (16 dead, 40 released alive)
- 48 Smooth Hammerheads (47 dead, 1 released alive)
- 16 Bronze Whalers* (11 dead, 5 released alive)
- 12 Dusky Whalers* (9 dead, 3 released alive)
- 6 Spinner Sharks* (dead)
- 5 Shortfin Makos* (dead)
- 4 Broadnose Sevengill Sharks* (3 dead, 1 released alive)
- 4 Longtail Tuna (dead)
- 3 Australian Bonito (dead)
- 3 Common Blacktips* (dead)
- 3 unidentified sharks (2 dead, 1 released alive)
- 2 Mackerel Tuna (dead)
- 2 unidentified whaler sharks (dead)
- 1 Australian Angel Shark (dead)
- 1 unidentified hammerhead species (dead)
- 1 Port Jackson Shark (released alive)
- 1 Silky Shark* (dead)
* prior to 2017/18 meshing season, these species were reported as ‘target species’
Total SMP entanglements for the 2024/25 meshing season for Sydney North (Palm Beach to Warriewood):
Target Sharks
Carcharodon carcharias White Shark - 2. A total of 18 were caught across all net areas, 10 dead.
Non-Target Sharks and Rays
Notorynchus cepedianus Broadnose Sevengill Shark - 1. A total of 4 were caught across all areas, 3/4 dead.
Carcharhinus brevipinna Spinner Shark - 1. A total of 6 caught across all areas, 6/6 dead.
Sphyrna zygaena Smooth Hammerhead Shark - 8. A total of 48 caught in all nets 47/48 were dead. This species represents 21.5% of all species caught in the nets for the 2024/25 SMP. In the nets off New South Wales, Smooth hammerheads comprised 50% of the 4,715 sharks captured from 1972–1990. Last year, 2023-24 Report, there were 10 Smooth Hammerhead Sharks caught here, 56 of the 57 caught in all nets were found dead; 26 were caught in the nets at Central Coast north and 17 at Central Coast south.
Carcharias taurus Greynurse Shark - 1. A total of 11 were caught in the nets with 4 dead.
unidentified shark - 1. A total of 5 unidentified sharks caught across all netted areas 4/5 dead.
Myliobatis australis Southern Eagle Ray - 3. A total of 28 caught in nets in all areas, 9/28 dead.
Rhinoptera neglecta Australian Cownose Ray - 5. A total of 22 caught across all netted areas, 6/22 dead, 16 released alive.
Mobula spp Devil Ray - 1 - was released alive.
Non-Target Marine Mammals, Reptiles and Birds
None.
Total reported for Sydney North: 23 - 2 of which were target shark species
Sydney North 2024/25 - what was caught where and when:
5/09/2024 Mona Vale Notorynchus cepedianus Broadnose Sevengill Shark M 1.50 FL Alive
5/09/2024 Palm Sphyrna zygaena Smooth Hammerhead F 0.85 FL Dead
8/09/2024 Newport Carcharias taurus Greynurse Shark F 2.60 FL Dead
11/09/2024 Mona Vale Carcharodon carcharias White Shark F 2.10 FL Alive
3/10/2024 Warriewood Myliobatis australis Southern Eagle Ray F 1.00 WS Alive
4/10/2024 Avalon Myliobatis australis Southern Eagle Ray F 1.10 WS Alive
16/10/2024 Whale Carcharodon carcharias White Shark unk 2.10 TL Alive
1/11/2024 Bilgola Sphyrna zygaena Smooth Hammerhead F 1.50 FL Dead
4/11/2024 Whale Sphyrna zygaena Smooth Hammerhead M 1.22 FL Dead
8/11/2024 Avalon Sphyrna zygaena Smooth Hammerhead F 1.38 FL Alive
20/11/2024 Palm Sphyrna zygaena Smooth Hammerhead F 1.03 FL Dead
28/11/2024 Warriewood Myliobatis australis Southern Eagle Ray unk 0.60 WS Alive
6/01/2025 Newport unidentified shark unk 2.00 TL Alive
13/01/2025 Bilgola Mobula spp Devil Ray F 2.00 WS Alive
8/02/2025 Warriewood Rhinoptera neglecta Australian Cownose Ray M 0.98 WS Dead
8/02/2025 Palm Sphyrna zygaena Smooth Hammerhead F 0.90 FL Dead
19/02/2025 Warriewood Carcharhinus brevipinna Spinner Shark F 3.00 FL Dead
2/03/2025 Palm Sphyrna zygaena Smooth Hammerhead F 0.95 FL Dead
25/03/2025 Warriewood Sphyrna zygaena Smooth Hammerhead F 1.00 FL Dead
26/03/2025 Whale Rhinoptera neglecta Australian Cownose Ray F 0.60 WS Alive
26/03/2025 Whale Rhinoptera neglecta Australian Cownose Ray F 0.60 WS Alive
26/03/2025 Whale Rhinoptera neglecta Australian Cownose Ray F 0.60 WS Alive
26/03/2025 Whale Rhinoptera neglecta Australian Cownose Ray F 0.60 WS Alive
Total SMP entanglements reported for the 2024/25 meshing season for Sydney Central (North Narrabeen to Manly):
Target Sharks
None recorded.
Non-Target Sharks and Rays
Carcharhinus brevipinna Spinner Shark - 1 - dead.
Sphyrna zygaena Smooth Hammerhead Shark - 1 - dead.
unidentified shark - 1 - 4/5 of all unidentified sharks caught dead.
Non-Target Marine Mammals, Reptiles and Birds
Chelonia mydas Green Turtle - 3. 3/7 of all green turtles across all caught in the nets were dead - they drown.
Total species caught in total: 6 - with 5 of that 6 dead (one decomposed)
Sydney Central 2024/25 - what was reported as caught where and when:
4/11/2024 Dee Why Chelonia mydas Green Turtle unk 0.90 CCL Alive
15/11/2024 Freshwater Sphyrna zygaena Smooth Hammerhead F 1.18 FL Dead
16/12/2024 Dee Why Chelonia mydas Green Turtle unk 0.42 CCL Dead
30/01/2025 North Steyne Chelonia mydas Green Turtle F 0.89 CCL Dead
18/02/2025 North Narrabeen Carcharhinus brevipinna Spinner Shark F 2.40 FL Dead
10/03/2025 Dee Why unidentified shark unk 3.50 TL Dead & Decomposed
Central Coast North reported 54 species in total, 6 of which were target sharks: 5 white, 1 Bull
Central Coast South reported 50 in total caught in the nets, 8 of which were target sharks; 1 Tiger, 6 White, 1 Bull.
Sydney South netted region reported 41 caught in the nets, 3 of which were target sharks; 2 White, 1 Bull.
Biological samples (Isotope, Genetics, Anal Swab, Vertebrae, Blubber, Whole) were taken from 97 animals during the 2024/25 season (6 from alive, 91 from deceased), and these are listed below:
Common Name Sample Type and Number Total Number Dead for the season
Australian Cownose Ray Genetics = 5*, Anal Swab = 4 6
Broadnose Sevengill Shark Genetics = 2, Vertebrae = 2 3
Bronze Whaler Genetics = 9, Vertebrae = 6 11
Bull Shark Genetics = 3*, Vertebrae = 1, Whole = 1 3
Common Blacktip Genetics = 2, Vertebrae = 2 3
Common Dolphin Genetics = 1, Blubber = 1 1
Dusky Whaler Isotope = 1, Genetics = 7*, Vertebrae = 4 9
Great Hammerhead Genetics = 1 2
Green Turtle Genetics = 2 3
Greynurse Shark Genetics = 1*, Whole = 3 4
Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphin Isotope = 1, Genetics = 1, Blubber = 1 3
Leatherback Turtle Genetics = 2 2
Loggerhead Turtle Genetics = 1 1
Olive Ridley Turtle Whole = 1 1
Scalloped Hammerhead Whole = 1 1
Shortfin Mako Genetics = 3, Vertebrae = 3, Whole = 1 5
Silky Shark Genetics = 1, Vertebrae = 1 1
Smooth Hammerhead Genetics = 28, Vertebrae = 1, Whole = 4 47
Southern Eagle Ray Genetics = 1 9
Spinner Shark Genetics = 4, Vertebrae = 2, Whole = 2 6
Tiger Shark Genetics = 1, Vertebrae = 1 2
White Shark Genetics = 7*, Vertebrae = 5, Whole = 3 10
* some genetic samples were taken from animals that were ‘released alive’ as part of the SMP tagging program or University research projects.
The report states the observer program was implemented with observers present on 10.7% of all net checks (hauls/runs) undertaken by SMP contractors.
To satisfy the Observer Program requirements, three people are employed as ‘observers’ for the seven months of the SMP: two observer positions being full-time (one permanent and one full-time temporary); and one employed on a casual basis. The two full-time observers conducted their duties predominantly in the Hunter, Central Coast North, and Central Coast South regions, with the casual observer primarily covering the Sydney North, Sydney Central, Sydney South regions.
The Total net inspections by region during 2024/25 meshing season for Sydney North (Manly to Barrenjoey peninsula) were:
- Total No. of net Inspections: 665
- No. of net inspections with observer present: 56
- % of net inspections observed: 8%
Observers continued to focus on ensuring collection of biological samples in accordance with the Strategic Research and Monitoring Program. Biological samples were taken from 97 animals (6 alive, 91 dead) entangled in the nets in 2024/25.
The trigger point for the objective of ‘minimising the impact on non-target species and threatened species’ was tripped in 2024/25 for Olive Ridley Turtles. One of these died in the Central Coast North net.
No turtles are recorded as having been caught or perished in Sydney North nets this time, however 3 Green turtles were caught in the Sydney Central region - 2 at Dee Why, with one dead by the time the net was checked, and another died in the North Steyne net.
Olive Ridley turtle. Photo: Thierry Caro
The Olive Ridley turtle is listed as an Endangered species under the Australian Government's Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) and occurs in the coastal waters of NSW, although nesting is more common in northern Australian states. While they can be found in NSW, their breeding grounds are further north.
The Chelonia mydas Green Turtle is listed as as Vulnerable to extinction under NSW and Commonwealth legislation. This designation reflects threats like habitat loss, bycatch in fisheries, and climate change-related impacts such as changes in nest sex ratios and sea level rise. Northern NSW beaches are recognised as critical habitats for the species, and conservation efforts include community-based monitoring and reducing threats from fisheries.
However, as was seen a few years ago, they are also laying eggs in the Sydney Central netted area - particularly at North Steyne - January 2020 report below.
Residents are also seeing turtles needing help, or being struck in the estuary by people in boats - their injuries indicating they have been hit at a speed above that applicable in the estuary.
See:
The trigger point for ‘reducing the risk to humans from shark attacks at beaches of the SMP’ was not tripped during the 2024/25 meshing season as there were no reported unprovoked shark-human interaction at any meshed beach of the SMP.
There were twenty reports of nets being damaged during the 2024/25 season - those impacting local nets recorded in the 2024/25 report were:
- 11 September 2024 – Sydney North contractor reported a large amount of damage to the net at Avalon. Mesh was snapped in some areas and neatly cut in others indicating that an animal was possible cut from the net. All ropes, floats and mesh were recovered;
- 24 September 2024 – Sydney North contractor reported damage to Newport net with approximately 2m x 2m damaged section of mesh. All sections of net were recovered;
- 10 October 2024 – Sydney North contractor reported that the net at Newport beach had sustained a massive amount of suspected whale damage. All ropes, floats and mesh were recovered;
- 10 October 2024 – Sydney North contractor reported that the net at Avalon beach had been damaged with 3m x 3m of mesh torn. All ropes, floats and mesh were recovered;
- 23 February 2025 - Sydney North contractor reported that the Warriewood net has a large 3m x 4m hole, cause unknown. All gear was recovered;
- 23 February 2025 - Sydney North contractor reported that the Newport net had become snagged on the bottom due to sea conditions and suffered significant damage while being retrieved. All gear was recovered;
* Contractors report ‘suspected whale damage’ to nets when it is obvious that the net mesh and/or ropes have been torn, snapped, or broken under strain, as opposed to being cut. These reports also coincide with the whale migration season.
There were twelve reports of vandalism during the 2024/25 season - these were, in total:
- 01 September 2024 - Sydney North contractor reported that the pingers were missing from the Palm beach net;
- 05 September 2024 - Sydney North contractor reported that three pingers were missing from the Avalon net;
- 06 September 2024 - Sydney North contractor reported that the pingers were missing from the Bilgola net;
- 18 September 2024 – Sydney South contractor notices mesh deliberately cut on Bondi net. All ropes, floats and mesh were recovered;
- 10 October 2024 – Sydney South contractor noticed that the Bondi net has a lot of cuts to the mesh, like previous incident on 18/09/2024. This may or may not have been in an attempt to remove an animal;
- 23 October 2024 – Sydney South contractor noticed that the Bondi net had 20 – 40m of damage like the two previous incidents;
- 14 October 2024 – Illawarra contractor reported that the net at Wattamolla beach had been cut into pieces. All floats, ropes and mesh were recovered;
- 30 October 2024 – Central Coast South contractor reported that approximately 10m of mesh had been cut along the lead line of the Terrigal shark net. All floats, mesh and ropes were recovered;
- 11 November 2024 – Sydney North contractor reported that floats had been pushed through the middle of the Mona Vale net;
- 30 December 2024 – Central Coast North contractor reported that the Blacksmiths net anchors had been dragged closer together. Sea conditions may have moved the anchors, but more likely a vessel has tied off on to the net and shifted the anchors;
- 11 February 2025 – Sydney South contractor reported that the net at Elouera beach had been deliberately cut with a sharp object. All gear was recovered and the net replaced due to the damage sustained;
- 18 March 2025 – Sydney North contractor reported that 8 turtle lights had gone missing from the net at Warriewood beach. These lights were clipped on to the float line, so it is suspected that they were stolen.
Review NSW shark meshing net configurations. Activities in 2024/25:
The 2024/25 report states:
Analysis of catches comparing shark nets with SMART drumlines indicate that SMART drumlines are more effective in catching White Sharks, however very few Bull or Tiger Sharks are caught in either gear (Butcher et al., 2025). Results support previous analyses of South African and Queensland bather protection programs which suggested a combination of nets and baited hooks (drumlines) represent the most effective shark catching methodology (Dudley, 1997; Gribble et al., 1998). The analyses also reiterate the high bycatch incurred by the shark nets compared to SMART drumlines and support the concept of replacing nets with SMART drumlines off high bycatch beaches (Niella et al., 2021b). Due to potential for proximal captures, it is recommended that 2-3 drumlines would provide similar fishing effort to a net (Butcher et al., 2025). While not every beach that has a net currently has a SMART drumline, across the entire SMP region, the current configuration of SMART drumlines is consistent with that recommendation, i.e. there are 51 nets and 138 SMART drumlines.
Samples of twine taken from regions where breaks in the net were recorded were collected and will be analysed once sufficient samples have been collected to warrant the costs & effort for genetic analysis.
Previous:
Analysis of catch trends in the far north coast shark net trials has been completed and published as Broadhurst and Cullis (2020). They conclude that nets should be checked every 72-96 hours to optimise efficiency for target species whilst minimising the absolute mortality of rays. This implies that no changes in the current JMA are required regarding regularity of checking the SMP shark nets. Amendments to net configurations would be outside the scope of existing contracts for the SMP, however, further research on SMP net configurations will be undertaken pending contractor cooperation.
SLS NSW drone flights in the SMP region 2024/25 -Northern Beaches
Spring 2024:
- 579 Flights
- 152.6 hours
- 5 sharks seen
Summer 24/25:
- 1421 Flights
- 380.1 hours
- 17 sharks seen
Autumn 2025:
- 741 Flights
- 239.8 hours
- 2 sharks seen
Local Unprovoked shark interactions while nets were operational, 1 October 1937 – 31 March 2025 - recorded:
13/01/1949 Mona Vale Sydney North White Shark Uninjured ski/kayak
26/02/1949 Newport Sydney North White Shark Uninjured ski/kayak
26/04/1996 Mona Vale Sydney North Wobbegong Injured swimming
26/04/1996 Mona Vale Sydney North Wobbegong Injured swimming
1/03/2009 Avalon Sydney North White Shark Injured surfing
30/12/2012 Dee Why Sydney Central White Shark Uninjured surfing
29/11/2014 Dee Why Sydney Central Wobbegong Injured swimming
28/11/2018 Manly Sydney Central Wobbegong Injured surfing
21/10/2020 Queenscliff Sydney Central Whaler sp. Uninjured surfing
Green Turtle Eggs Found Here To Head North
