The Northern Beaches coastline is home to some exquisite marine species. Long Reef and other aquatic reserves are a haven for marine wildlife and Narrabeen and Manly Lagoons are home to some of our protected species. Find out what fascinating marine life to look out for next time you’re in the water.
Have you seen an animal you have never seen before? Think you’ve seen something special or rare? You can identify local plants and wildlife using free citizen science apps like iNaturalist or NSW BioNET Atlas. Every logged species adds to the knowledge scientists and decision-makers use to conserve biodiversity. You can also email your sightings (particularly of threatened species) directly to Council via species.sightings@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au for uploading to BioNet.
In the interest of protecting our precious marine life, Northern Beaches Council has requested the NSW government remove shark nets on beaches in the Council area and replace them with a combination of modern and effective alternative shark mitigation strategies that maintain or improve swimmer safety and reduce unwanted by-catch of non-target species.
Council first made the call in 2021 in response to the Department of Primary Industries - Fisheries (DPI Fisheries) request for input from stakeholders on their preferred shark mitigation measures, following a five-year project considering the benefits and impacts of a range of mitigation measures. Council has maintained a consistent approach in annual DPI Fisheries surveys.
For more information on Council's position and the NSW DPI Shark Smart site, see the following links.
Link to media release
