The New South Wales State Government released a draft review of its shark meshing program last week and urged the interested members of the public to submit their comments of the review.

This is the first review of the program to take place since 1972 offering NSW residents the opportunity to express their concerns and play an active role influencing the proposed management arrangements.  The current meshing program was introduced in 1937 and since that time there has only been one fatal shark attack at a meshed beach.

A number of recommendations come out of the review, including education campaigns, establishment of a research and monitoring program and increased net checks to reduce the impact on the environment.

The review can be found on the DPI website or hard copies are available for viewing at key Fisheries offices. The opportunity for comment concludes on 1 May 2009.