Northern Beaches and Newcastle councils vote to remove shark nets

Two NSW councils are calling on the state government to remove shark nets on beaches along the coast.

Last night both the Northern Beaches and Newcastle councils voted for the nets to be replaced with alternatives that don't trap other marine species such as turtles and rays.

They join the majority of local councils participating in the NSW Shark Meshing Program (SMP), Wollongong, Waverly, Randwick on calling for the removal.

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A number of locals spoke in support of removing the nets at the Northern Beaches council meeting last night, including Australian surfing champion Layne Beachley.

In her address, she described herself as an "ocean lover, world champion surfer, and life-long resident of the Northern Beaches".

"I would rather be protected by more effective technologies like drone surveillance and eco barriers or sonar technology," Ms Beachley said.

"I know my place in the ocean. I respect I am entering their domain. I believe we can co-exist."

Manly Deputy Mayor Candy Bingham said the "effectiveness of shark nets has been questioned by many, yet their impact on other marine species is devastating".

"We have an aquatic reserve in Manly where turtles and rays are regularly seen by snorkelers, and up and down the beaches dolphins surf the waves alongside local board riders," Mr Bingham said.

"The research conducted by DPI Fisheries found that 90 per cent of marine species caught in nets were non-target species and that sharks can in fact swim over, under and around the nets anyhow."

Lawrence Chlebeck, Marine Biologist for Humane Society International (HSI) Australia welcomed the news saying the nets are outdated and provide a false sense of security for swimmers.

"What a lot of people might not realise is that the nets are not complete barriers, they are only about 150 meters long and six meters high and sharks swim over and around them," Mr Chlebeck said.

"The technology is nearly 100 years old, we would never accept safety technology that old in any other facet of our lives, why should ocean safety be any different?

"It is in everyone's best interest that the current Shark Meshing Program is done away with and HSI is pleased to see that attitude being reflected at the local council level."

According to the HSI, the nets have caught nearly 3000 marine animals since 2012, including threatened species of dolphins, whales, and turtles.

Of the animals trapped, more than 50 per cent die.