A shark net has returned to Terrigal Beach on the Central Coast as part of the NSW Government’s seasonal shark-mitigation program. The installation has sparked renewed concern among local residents, environmental advocates and representatives who oppose the use of nets at the popular beach.

The net was reinstated on September 1 as shark-mitigation measures resumed along NSW beaches. Terrigal has become a particular focus because of concerns about the effect the net may have on marine animals, including a local seal known as Terry.

Critics argue that the net provides limited coverage compared with the length of the beach and say alternative technologies could provide a better approach to protecting swimmers while reducing the risk to marine wildlife. Suggested alternatives include drone surveillance and SMART drum lines, which are already being used at some other Central Coast locations.

The issue has also attracted political attention, with the Member for Terrigal and Central Coast Council opposing the return of the net and calling for alternative approaches to be considered. According to reports, requests for a trial removal have not received the response local representatives were seeking from the NSW Government.

Environmental concerns are central to the debate. Shark nets are intended to reduce the likelihood of sharks reaching swimming areas, but they can also capture animals that are not the intended target. Data cited by campaigners indicates that a large majority of marine animals caught in NSW shark nets during the 2024–25 season were non-target species.

Supporters of shark-mitigation programs maintain that measures are necessary to help protect people using NSW beaches. The debate therefore involves balancing public safety with marine conservation and finding methods that can reduce the risk of shark encounters without unnecessarily harming wildlife.

For Terrigal and the wider Central Coast, the return of the shark net is likely to remain a local environmental and beach-safety issue throughout the season. Residents and beach users are now watching closely to see whether authorities will reconsider the current approach.