Report into the NSW Shark Meshing Program

The NSW DPI manages the NSW Shark Meshing (Bather Protection) Program (SMP). A total of 51 ocean beaches from Wollongong to Newcastle are currently netted between 1 September and 30 April each year using bottom-set mesh nets. NSW DPI reviewed the SMP and prepared this Report, which describes the operational aspects of the SMP, assesses its potential environmental impacts, and makes some recommendations as to how to mitigate those impacts. This Report is an important reference source to inform public understanding of the SMP, and provides a baseline against which future changes can be measured.

This Report was used to inform the development of draft joint management agreements (JMA) and a management plan (MP) under the State’s threatened species legislation. The Report, the draft JMA and draft MP were publicly exhibited from 27 March to 1 May 2009, and was finalised in August 2009 to incorporate some amendments proposed in the submissions.