150 protesters made their stance on the placement of the net known. Photo: ABC
Last year, Lighthouse Beach in Ballina, NSW, was a bit of a hotbed for shark attacks. In 2015 alone, there were three serious attacks, one of which was fatal. Since then, a shark net has been installed to make the area safer. Problem is, though, that it might actually make it more dangerous.
Locals from the area organized a protest a few days ago, claiming that the placement of the shark net (being called an “eco-barrier”, presumably to make it sound like something that isn’t going to snag dolphins and turtles and shit) is pretty much right inside the surf zone.
“The proposed placement of this barrier is right in the surf zone,” said Mark Hernage, the man who organized the protest. “Even on different swells and conditions, it is going to be inside the surf zone so surfers would become entangled in this net.”
Hernage has come up with an alternate method to install the net. “The proposed barrier placement that we have come up with as surfers will maximize what we have as surfers and this beautiful place to surf, but will also not be a hindrance or hazard to us,” he explained.
The mayor, though disagrees, although he sounds a little confused about what the protesters are actually upset about. “It’s made of fishing line as thick as your little finger, there’s nothing to hurt you or grab you,” said David Wright. “As a matter of fact, the surf club thinks it will be a rescuer. If another attack happens, you (the protesters) will be morally responsible and this barrier has been recommended as the best thing to protect the beach.”
