The ocean has always been a big part of Glen Butler's life. He's been a surfer for 50 years and, in that time, he says he rarely thought about sharks. You're aware you're stepping into their environment, so you're cautious, the 61-year-old told the BBC. But Mr. Butler's confidence on the water was shattered last month when fellow surfer Mercury Psillakis was killed by a great white shark at Long Reef, Sydney.
This tragedy has revived debates about the effectiveness of shark nets, a controversial measure used to protect beachgoers. Despite being in place since 1937, conservationists argue that these nets do more harm than good by not effectively preventing shark attacks while causing significant harm to marine life.
Australia, home to some of the world's most beautiful beaches, has become a hotspot for shark interaction, with fatal attacks occurring sporadically but gaining intensive media coverage. While the majority of surfers have never encountered a shark, the fear is increasing in communities with high surfing populations.
Shark nets are installed on many beaches from September to March; however, experts claim they are ineffective as they do not create a total barrier between bathers and sharks. Instead, they aim to intercept sharks during hunts. Critics have also noted that most species caught in the nets are not the target species, raising ethical concerns over the widespread environmental impact.
The recent incident involving Psillakis has put further pressure on authorities to reevaluate the use of these nets. Alternative measures—such as using drone surveillance and other technologies like environmentally friendly barriers—are gaining support as beachgoers want safer options that do not harm marine life.
Despite the risks, many surfers express their commitment to the ocean and their preferred recreational activities. However, the future of shark nets is now under intense scrutiny, posing an essential question for Australian communities: how to balance beach safety with environmental stewardship.
