New data shows a concerning number of sea life caught and killed in shark nets across New South Wales are non-target threatened and endangered species.

There were 223 animals caught in the nets in the 2024 to 25 season, according to NSW Department of Primary Industries data obtained by Humane World for Animals and seen by 9news.com.au.

Only 24 of those were the targeted white, tiger or bull sharks, while 199 were non-target species.

Some of the non-target species that were caught in the nets included threatened or protected species like the green, leatherback, loggerhead and olive ridley turtles, grey nurse sharks and Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins.

The data showed that 149, or 67 per cent, of the 223 animals caught were also killed. 

Four dolphins, seven threatened turtles, and four critically endangered grey nurse sharks were among those killed.

“Year after year, we see this depressingly familiar figure: about 90 per cent of the animals caught in the shark nets have nothing to do with the purpose of the nets,” Humane World for Animals marine biologist Lawrence Chlebeck said.

“That’s not only an animal welfare tragedy, but it’s also a serious conservation concern.”

The state government puts up shark nets at 51 beaches across eight councils between Newcastle and Wollongong when temperatures begin to warm from September.

Drone surveillance, shark listening stations and non-lethal drumlines are also in place to detect and deter sharks. 

The Waverley, Central Coast, Northern Beaches, Sutherland Shire, Wollongong City Council, and Randwick councils have each passed motions in support of removing the shark nets due to concerns about the effects on other marine life.

This year, the state government trialled new measures in its shark management plan to mitigate risks to an increased level of turtle activity.

Nets were taken down a month earlier than normal in March, they were inspected every day, and lights were used to deter and prevent turtle entanglement.

A total of 89 per cent of non-target animals were captured in the nets this year, which was slightly down from 93 per cent last year.

There has been one recorded shark attack in NSW so far this year. 

A woman was bitten at Gunyah Beach, in Sydney’s south, in early March.

Last year, there was one non-fatal shark attack when a woman was bitten in Elizabeth Bay.

Chlebeck called on the state government to remove the shark nets permanently, claiming they do not keep people safe and kill marine life.

“The alternatives have been in place for many years and have proven to be much better at detecting sharks and keeping people safe. It’s a no-brainer,” he said.