Almost 90% of animals caught in NSW shark nets are not targeted sharks, data shows

An endangered loggerhead turtle entangled in a shark net in Ballina in 2017. Of the 228 animals ensnared in shark nets at NSW beaches during the 2022-23 season, just 24 were sharks, state government data shows. Photograph: Sea Shepard Australia

Almost 90% of marine animals caught in shark nets off New South Wales beaches over the past year were non-target species such as turtles, rays and dolphins, according to new data published by the state government.

Marine conservation groups say release of the annual data comes at a critical time as the Minns government weighs up whether to continue with the deterrence strategy.