Greens MLC Ian Cohen has urged NSW Minister for Primary Industries, Ian Macdonald, to investigate the use of shark repellent devices as an alternative to the environmentally destructive use of nets off Sydney beaches.
“The recent death of a dolphin and a dugong in the nets mark just a fraction of the marine life slaughtered in the nets every year,” Mr Cohen said.
“The netting of beaches is a last century solution to an age old problem. It is time the Minister looked to the modern shark repellent devices that are being successfully used by surfers and divers all over the world.
“Of course Sydney-siders want to feel safe at their beaches but they don’t want it at the expense of our marine life.
“The fact is that it is estimated that 40% of the sharks caught in the nets are captured on the beach side of the meshing.
“Yesterday in Question Time I asked the Minister to look into the shark repellent device solution as an alternative to netting but he was dismissive.
“Such an attitude is disappointing. I would hope that the Minister would re-consider the issue as a priority.
“We must find a long term practical solution to the death nets. It is time the Minister started thinking creatively,” Mr Cohen said.
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