Dolphin dies after being caught in shark nets off popular Sydney beach

Warning: This article contains images that may be disturbing.

A dead dolphin tangled in shark nets has been caught on drone camera footage off a popular Sydney beach.

Instagram account DroneShark App posted the video online, saying they were "overcome with emotion".

The dolphin had apparently been caught in the shark net off Bronte Beach.

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In the wake of the video, activist organisations Sea Shepherd and Action for Dolphins have called for the removal of such nets.

"This dolphin would have been desperately trying to get free, eventually drowning in their own home," Action for Dolphins chief operating officer Emilia Michael said.

"There is no justification for this dolphin's death because the net that caused this suffering doesn't protect ocean users."

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Sea Shepherd threatened and endangered species campaigner Lauren Sandeman said the use of shark nets amounted to "indiscriminate slaughter", not public safety.

"These shark nets are only 150 metres long, they don't go from top to bottom, they don't cover the full length of the beach, they are not a barrier," she said.

"They are merely a fishing device. Today, they are dolphin killers."

Michael said alternative methods to improve ocean safety included drone surveillance, beach patrols, and shark listening stations.

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