NRS-20301 | Shark meshing returns and summaries

The series of shark meshing returns and summaries are the records relating to shark meshing contractors in New South Wales. The shark meshing program began in Sydney in 1937 and has had varying objectives, including but not limited to: reducing the risk of shark attacks to surfers and swimmers; culling populations of large aggressive sharks; and deterring large sharks from establishing territories adjacent to metropolitan swimming beaches. In December 1949 the shark meshing program was expanded to include beaches at Wollongong and Newcastle. In 1972 an increased number of beaches were meshed in all areas and in January 1987 the Central Coast was included in the program. (1) To meet the objectives of the shark meshing program, nets are deployed in nearshore waters on a seasonal basis by contractors to restrict the ability of large, potentially dangerous sharks to access those swimming beaches. The decision to use meshing was made after evaluation of several different options, including total enclosure of some beaches to prevent any access by sharks. It was at the time acknowledged that complete enclosure of swimming areas on coastal beaches was not feasible due to the rough seas frequently experienced along the coast. (2) The shark meshing program is divided up into five geographical regions, namely Newcastle, Central Coast, Sydney north, Sydney south and Illawarra with contractors employed in each region. There are 51 beaches in the 5 regions these include:Newcastle - Stockton, Nobbys, Newcastle, Bar, Dixon Park, Merewether, Redhead, Swansea-Blacksmiths, Caves Beach, Catherine Hill Bay;Central Coast - Lakes, Soldiers, The Entrance, Shelly, Terrigal, North Avoca, Avoca, Copacabana, MacMasters, Killcare, Umina;        Sydney North - Palm, Whale, Avalon, Bilgola, Newport, Mona Vale, Warriewood, North Narrabeen, Narrabeen, Dee Why, Curl Curl, Harbord, Queenscliff, North Steyne, Manly;Sydney South - Bondi, Bronte, Coogee, Maroubra, Wanda, Elouera, North Cronulla, Cronulla, Wattamolla, Garie; and        Illawarra - Coledale, Austinmer, Thirroul, North Wollongong, South Wollongong. (3)  Information contained on the daily log reports does vary but can include the name of the ship, date, number of sharks caught or sighted, species, the name of the beach where the shark was caught or sighted. The series includes some correspondence relating to contractors. Endnotes1. M. Green, C. Ganassin, and D. D. Reid, Report into the NSW Shark Meshing (Bather Protection) Program, NSW DPI Fisheries Conservation and Aquaculture Branch, March 2009, p.4.2. Ibid., p.5.3. Ibid., p.5.