The New South Wales Government has opened tenders for its annual shark meshing program, reigniting the debate surrounding its use. 

The program involves placing shark nets at 51 beaches between Newcastle and Wollongong from September to April each year.

While the Department of Primary Industries has not yet confirmed if the nets will be reinstalled this year, Minister for the Central Coast David Harris says they are needed as a precautionary measure. 

The decision is allegedly being made in consultation with local government, but many have called for the program to be permanently discontinued.

Critics argue that the meshing program has significant adverse effects on marine life, including endangered sea turtles, whales, and dolphins. 

A recent report by the Envoy Foundation highlighted “extremely concerning discrepancies” in the government's data regarding shark meshing.

Ronny Ling from Marine Wildlife Rescue Central Coast expressed disbelief at the news, saying; “We're dealing with the most incredibly dangerous creature in the world here, and that's politicians and bureaucrats - not sharks”.