Shark nets really get to me. They came back quietly on Sept 1. We are still fully in whale season and I’ve seen mothers and calves have to swim around the inside of them at Manly before. I personally think they are a waste of taxpayers money. The official reports shows less than 4% of marine life caught are “target” species. We surf all winter without the 4% attacking us and don’t need them for summer.
The whole of the Australian coastline is actually a whale sanctuary. Under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 “it is an offence to kill, injure or interfere with a cetacean.” Is the government breaking their own laws?
Surfers who surf at dawn and dusk, year round, are the ones that deal with this. Not Joe punter who goes to Bondi once a year. The stats and fear mongering are political bullshxt.
What can you do about it?
Sign the petition here: http://www.removesharknets.com
Send a quick email to the Minister for the Environment: http://www.environment.gov.au/minister/burke/connect.html
Even if you think a tiny piece of net is keeping you safe for your summer lunchtime session at Manly then I’d encourage you just to write to reduce the length of the season to prevent the risk to whales and encourage a few more whales to swim by Manly. It’s your money thats paying for this after all.
Oh and the surf today is 2ft or so at Manly and probably better at South facing beaches. Get out before the forecast onshore wind and peak tides! Phew – got that off my chest.
