Who are we?

We are Sea Shepherd Australia’s Shark Defence Campaign! Our goal is to see the end of lethal shark nets and drumlines in Australia, replaced with modern, non-lethal alternatives. Our team is a small but determined bunch, consisting of a handful of mostly volunteers. We have a Coordinator in NSW and a Coordinator in QLD, a media and communications campaigner, and drone pilots and photographers.

What do we do?

We advocate for the removal of lethal shark nets and drumlines, in favour of replacing them with non-lethal, modern alternatives backed by science. Our goal is to raise awareness of the harm these lethal programs cause. We do this by documenting and exposing the marine life who become caught an often killed in the nets and drumlines. We have an east-coast patrol vessel, Grey Nurse, which we go out on the water as often as we can, as well as fly drones over the shark control equipment to monitor catch in the nets and drumlines.

In 2019, the QLD government introduced a 20 metre exclusion zone around the equipment, with hefty fines up to $20,00o for breaching this – so whilst we used to be able to dive right next to the shark nets and drumlines to photograph by-catch, this is now no longer possible. But we didn’t let that stop us and thanks to a donation from one of our supporters we were able to purchase a remotely controlled underwater drone (ROV) so that we can still capture footage, whilst remaining outside of the 20 metre exclusion. Combined with aerial drones, this allows us to still document and share with the public the reality of the program.

We analyse official shark control program data, to hold the program accountable and highlight its cruelty – as it kills many marine animals besides sharks – including endangered and supposedly protected species including dolphins, turtles, rays, humpback whales, and protected species of sharks.

We share our footage with the media and on our social media platforms, to inform the public, build support to add pressure on governments to transition to non-lethal alternatives, which are backed by science to provide better safety for ocean-users.

We also use our platforms to raise awareness and dispel misinformation about the shark nets and drumlines. There is a common misconception that shark nets are a barrier, when in reality they are not. We believe it is important for the public to understand that all these nets do is provide a false sense of security, which is very dangerous, as people may not be taking the precautions they should be, or assessing the risks when deciding to enter the water, as they falsely believe they are protected by a barrier.

What does the science say?

Shark experts and scientific research do not support the continued use of lethal shark nets or drumlines as a safety method for ocean users. The Queensland Government’s own independent KPMG report recommended transitioning away from lethal nets and drumlines. Likewise, a 2019 Federal Court ruling described the evidence against shark culling as “overwhelming,” concluding that culling sharks (which is what the current program does,) is not effective at reducing the risk of unprovoked shark bites.

Why are policy makers so reluctant to remove shark nets, especially given the devastation this system is causing to marine life?

Many are hesitant to act due to fear of backlash and outdated public perceptions that shark nets keep people safe. In reality, the system is ineffective and outdated. We need to continue educating the public about the fact that shark nets don’t protect swimmers, while building trust in modern, non-lethal alternatives. Promoting shark-smart education, such as understanding when conditions are higher risk, empowers people to make informed choices.

Ultimately, we must recognise that the ocean is a wild space that can never be entirely risk-free. With greater public understanding, politicians may feel more supported and informed to make this necessary change.

Aside from politicians, have you seen much campaigning in favour of keeping the shark nets, and from whom?

Many members of the public simply don’t realise that shark nets are not a barrier. Naturally, if people believe we are proposing to remove a physical barrier, they may oppose it. The media often adds to this confusion by using incorrect imagery - showing swim enclosures or barriers instead of shark nets - which reinforces the false perception that shark nets prevent sharks from entering certain areas.

There is also a widespread misconception that shark numbers are increasing and that culling them reduces the risk of shark bites - claims that are not supported by science. This all comes back to the need for better public education on these issues, so people can make informed decisions regarding sharks and ocean safety.

What technology/alternative shark deterrents would the Shark Defence Campaign like to see implemented on Australian coastlines?

We advocate for a modern, non-lethal shark management program that combines a number of effective technologies, alongside public education. This includes:

• Drone surveillance, which allows Surf Life Saving patrols to spot sharks in real time and evacuate beaches when needed.

• Shark listening stations detect tagged sharks and send instant alerts through the SharkSmart app, providing real-time information to the public and beach authorities.

• We would like to see an increase in shark - smart education to help people understand when conditions could be considered higher risk for sharks to be active, for example don’t swim at dusk and dawn, after heavy rainfall or if large bait balls have been seen, so the public can make informed decisions about the risks to enter the water.

What is your response to those who argue that these alternative measures are inadequate as they fail to provide a physical barrier of protection?

Shark nets and drumlines do not provide a physical barrier either. In fact, because they trap and kill marine animals- many of which are left injured or dying for hours or even days, this can actually attract larger sharks closer to shore in search of an easy meal. Modern non-lethal technologies such as drones, offer a scientifically supported approach to public safety, without harming marine life.

What else is the Shark Defence Campaign doing?

• We continue to document bycatch in shark nets to raise awareness and increase public pressure on governments to transition to non-lethal alternatives.

• We regularly share the latest scientific advice from experts to build public trust in modern, non-lethal technologies as well as highlighting how shark nets are ineffective at keeping people safe.

• We highlight the vital role sharks play in maintaining a healthy ocean ecosystem and why they need our protection – we want to shift public perception away from the idea of sharks as monsters, and towards understanding their ecological importance, whilst showing that non-lethal alternatives offer better safety solutions for swimmers. We don’t need to harm sharks to increase safety for people.

• We are also a member of the Nets Out Now Alliance, working alongside environmental organisations, scientists, and advocates to push for the transition to modern, scientifically backed, non-lethal shark management methods.

For direct quotes or more information, contact media@seashepherd.org.au

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