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Sonar may replace shark nets

18 April 2008

THE Department of Primary Industries may consider removing shark nets along the northern beaches and replacing them with a sonar-based detection system after a meeting with Surfwatch representatives yesterday.

A DPI spokesperson confirmed the department had listened to proposed changes to the current system proposed by members of Surfwatch Australia, saying ``the DPI regularly meets with stakeholders on a variety of issues to listen to community and industry needs''.

Proposed changes to the system, which has been in place since 1937, include the formation of a shark control board focusing on public education, and the release of more information related to bycatch numbers.

``Bycatch'' is the term describing the amount of marine life accidentally caught and killed in the nets instead of sharks.

A spokesperson for the Minister for the Department of Primary Industries, Ian MacDonald, described the meeting as a ``listening exercise'' and said that several issues had been addressed.