Shark nets: a necessary protection or animal cruelty — tackling a difficult question with Natasha Mitchell

Big Ideas

They use of shark nets to protect us from sharks is highly controversial.

Do they work, what do they do to marine life, are there alternatives, and why are sharks so political? This is an issue that ignites passions.

Join Big Ideas' host Natasha Mitchell and guests at the 2024 Ocean Lovers Festival for a robust interrogation of the harms and benefits​​.

Original broadcast April 17, 2024.

Speakers

Lawrence Chlebeck Marine biologist and campaignerHumane Society International

Dr Chris Pepin-Neff Senior Lecturer in Public Policy, University of Sydney Author, Flaws: Shark Bites and Emotional Public Policymaking (2019)

Steven Pearce Chief Executive Officer, Surf Life Saving NSW Hannah TaitCEO, Action for Dolphins

Further information:

Australian UAV Service NSW Shark meshing program

NSW Shark Management Strategy and Shark Program Review (2022)

Rebranding Sharks project

Australian Shark Incident Database

Yearly Worldwide “Shark Attack Summary” (Florida Museum)

Shark nets information (Action for Dolphins)