Purpose
To provide information relating to the recognition and reduction of risks associated with beaches that have a shark meshing program (nets).
Policy
This policy aims to:
- Help identify existing and potential health and safety issues.
- Raise the overall awareness of hazard identification and risk reduction.
- Assist in establishing risk management procedures.
Procedure
The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Shark Management Program
The Shark Mitigation Program includes:
- Increasing Surf Life Saving NSW’s drone surveillance program to provide higher levels of beach coverage in more Local Government Areas (LGAs);
- Increasing coastal surveillance using tagged shark listening stations to ensure at least one in every LGA;
- Continuing the rollout of SMART drumline technology;
- Continuing beach meshing between Newcastle and Wollongong;
- Funding to continue to enable Surfing NSW to provide shark mitigation support and services such as trauma kits and drones; and
- Boosting shark tagging, research and community education programs.
For more details refer to the Shark Smart pages of the NSW DPI website.
SLSNSW monitors issues relating to sharks across the state and consults with NSW DPI about the future directions of programs.
Rogue Equipment
Includes, but not restricted to, nets, lines, fishing gear, buoys and hooks that have moved from site, in particular, if the equipment is in a location that may present a hazard to people.
In the event of “rogue” equipment being identified the following procedures shall be followed:
- Follow procedures listed in ‘Emergency Beach Closure’.
- Isolate the equipment from public access/interaction.
- Do not move or retrieve the equipment.
- SurfCom (or similar) is to contact the SLSNSW State Duty Officer, who will call a Fisheries NSW Officer.
- Record as much detail regarding the equipment as possible.
Entrapment of Species in Shark Nets
In the event of any species being identified as caught in a shark net whether it be alive or otherwise the following procedures may be applied:
At all times safety to lifesaving personnel and the public is to be considered the priority. While concern for an entrapped animal is warranted, no actions should be taken that may expose the personnel or the public to risk of injury.
In the first instance SurfCom should be notified, and they’ll contact the SLSNSW State Duty Officer. He/she will be responsible for contacting a Fisheries NSW Officer as listed above.
In rare cases Fisheries NSW may request assistance from Surf Life Saving to identify what is in a net. The following procedures are to be followed:
- Assess risk – only if risk is deemed low and acceptable should this activity be undertaken.
- Maintain a safe distance.
- Only suitably qualified and competent lifesaving personnel should participate in operations and shall involve only marine rescue vessels IRBs, RWCs, JRBs or ORBs (not in-water swimmers/board paddlers).
- Lifesaving personnel should not swim near shark nets.
- Lifesaving personnel must not attempt to free live or deceased entangled animals due to the risks associated with live animals and personnel entanglement.
Note: Live animals can and have killed the people trying to release them. Where required a trained team will be deployed to undertake disentanglement.
Animals Coming Ashore
In the event of any deceased animals/mammals (specifically sharks, turtles, whales, dolphins, seals and dugongs) SurfCom shall contact the SLSNSW State Duty Officer who shall liaise with a Fisheries NSW Officer.
Personal Safety
At all times safety to lifesaving personnel and the public is to be considered the priority. While concern for the animal is warranted, no actions should be taken that may expose the operators or the public to risk of injury.
Report Interference with Shark Nets/Illegal Fishing
It is an offence under the Fisheries Management Act 1994 to interfere with set fishing gear. Lifesaving personnel are encouraged to report any one seen interfering with Shark Nets and any illegal fishing activities to the Fisheries Watch 1800 043 536 or via the website.