Bycatch
With the use of shark nets there is also the high incidence of bycatch, including threatened and endangered species like sea turtles, dugongs, dolphins and whales. In QLD in the 2011/12 summer season there were 714 sharks caught, 281 above 2 metres in shark nets and drum lines.
Animal welfare groups suggest alternatives such as surf lifesaving, public education on shark behaviour, radio signals, sonar technology and electric nets. Drum lines are also viewed, by some people, as an alternative: they consist of baited hooks aimed at catching only large sharks (though turtles are sometimes hooked).
Read more about this topic: Shark Net