In the lead-up to the New South Wales (NSW) Election on 25 March 2023 we are asking that supporters who are NSW residents consider taking decisive action and meet with your local MP. Ask for their commitment to support the removal of shark nets. We'll be doing the same. To help you prepare we've put together a briefing pack.

The election is also an opportunity to get Ministers into office who genuinely care about their communities, science and portfolios. It comes down to individual Ministers, not so much a particular political party. We need Ministers who listen and act on science.

As the NSW state election approaches, the shark net debate bubbles away in the background, as it has done since the NSW shark netting program commenced in 1937. In contrast, nearly ten years ago, the Government of Western Australia abandoned an attempt to introduce lethal shark mitigation due to a lack of evidence and strong community opposition, as have other countries.

While the NSW Government has started introducing some modern strategies, Minister for Agriculture Dugald Saunders, responsible for the Shark Meshing Program, says there is no plan to end the program, which has approximately 90% bycatch, including endangered and protected animals.

Any claim the government makes that shark nets have reduced shark bites and fatalities is an absolute insult to the lifesavers and first responders who save lives. It conflates correlation with causation. Shark nets have not reduced shark bites since 1937. However, fatalities have declined due to improved first response speed, knowledge and techniques... not shark nets. Shark nets don't tie tourniquets or provide CPR; Surf Life Savers and first responders do. 

So why does the NSW Government defend its shark culling program when science does not?  You can read the full story on our website.

Another opportunity for you to take action is our 60 x 60 activity that is currently in full swing. In the 60 days leading up to the NSW election we are posting daily on Instagram @envoyfilm, highlighting critical issues and tagging key Members of the NSW Parliament. You can support the campaign by commenting on our posts and even tagging your local MP.

Let's make 2023 the year shark nets get removed forever.