The shark net located at Iluka Bay will be removed at the end of May, signalling the end of the 2025-2026 swimming season.
Clarence Valley Council manages over 80 km of coastline, with Iluka Bay being the only location where a shark net is installed.
"The annual removal of the shark net allows essential repairs, maintenance and cleaning to be carried out, ensuring the net remains safe, functional and compliant ahead of the following swimming season in September," Clarence Valley Council's General Manager, Laura Black said.
"Removing the net during winter also allows the annual winter mullet run to pass freely through Iluka Bay, which is vital for our local fishing industry."
The shark net is part of the NSW Shark Management Program, which includes nets, SMART drumlines, drone patrols at 80 beaches from Bega Valley to Tweed.
Shark nets are specially designed nets to reduce the chances of interactions with white, tiger and bull sharks and are fitted with acoustic warning devices, such as dolphin pingers and whale alarms, to deter and minimise the risk of entanglement for marine mammals.
The net will be reinstalled in September 2026.
Learn more about the current NSW Shark Management Program at www.sharksmart.nsw.gov.au
