Why Shark Nets Are Harming More Than Helping
Nothing breaks my heart more than seeing us, as humans, destroy the ocean. And right now, it’s happening right in front of us.
The Australian government has just announced they’re investing $88 million into shark nets and drumlines - something that sounds protective but is actually deadly to our marine life.
Let’s break it down.
🚫 Shark Nets Don’t Just Catch Sharks
Shark nets have been used along Queensland and New South Wales beaches since the 1930s, but they’re outdated, ineffective, and harmful.
These nets don’t actually create a barrier. They don’t reach the ocean floor or span the entire length of the beach. Sharks, whales, and other marine life can, and do, swim around or under them.
What the nets do catch is heartbreaking:
• 🐬 Dolphins
• 🐢 Turtles
• 🐳 Whales
• 🐠 Manta rays
• And many non-aggressive, endangered shark species
Once tangled, most of these animals drown or suffer until death. Their struggle also attracts larger predators — making the area more dangerous, not safer.
🧠 The Reality of Shark Nets:
• Over 50% of marine animals caught in shark nets aren’t even sharks.
• Since 2001, more than 15,000 marine animals have been killed in Queensland’s shark control program alone.
• Many of these species, like the leatherback turtle and grey nurse shark, are endangered.
• Nets give swimmers a false sense of security, with zero evidence proving they significantly reduce shark attacks.
🌀 We Need Smarter, Ocean-Friendly Solutions
There are non-lethal, eco-conscious options already available and successfully used elsewhere:
• Drone surveillance
• Shark tagging & tracking
• Community alert systems
• Barrier technology that actually protects swimmers without killing wildlife
We don’t need to choose between ocean safety and marine life, we can protect both!
🖊️ Take Action: Sign the Petition
This matters. The more voices we have, the more pressure we place on our leaders to do better for our oceans.
📝 SIGN + SHARE this petition:
End Shark Culling – Remove Shark Nets and Lethal Drumlines
Let’s stop the silent slaughter happening just beneath the surface.
Let’s create a healthier, safer, real solution for our oceans.
🌊 From Polaris Blu
This issue hits close to home for us. Polaris Blu was built on a deep love for the sea and the life it holds. We donate a percentage of every sale to support reef and ocean conservation , and we’ll ALWAYS use our voice to protect the things we love.
Thank you for reading, for caring, and for being a part of this movement 🐚💙 #netsoutnow
