With whales migrating earlier than usual this year, shark nets along five northern NSW beaches will be removed ahead of schedule - which has left conservationists cheering.
Nets at five beaches near Ballina - Lighthouse, Sharpes, Shelly, Seven Mile, and Evans Head - will be removed from Wednesday, ending an almost five-months-long trial.
Drumlines will remain in the water over winter.
NSW Primary Industries Minister Niall Blair says a spike in whale sightings was behind the decision to remove the nets early.
"The risk of a whale being caught in the nets is unfortunately too high and therefore it is important we remove the nets a month early," Mr Blair said in a statement on Wednesday.
Marine conservationist Dean Jefferys, who has long opposed shark nets due to the harm they cause to other marine life, hopes they'll "never return to these waters again".
"Shark nets don't work and only kill non-targeted marine life, many that are already endangered due to man's involvement in the marine ecosystem," he told AAP in a statement on Wednesday.
The latest data released by the government in March found that one "target" shark was captured among 26 marine animals during the month of February.
More than 40 rays of different species were caught in the new nets - with 16 of them dying - as well as four turtles of which two died.
The data, part of the government's second shark net trial in northern NSW, showed that of the 26 animals caught during February, 10 were dead - including a bottlenose dolphin - while the remaining 16 were released alive.
The second trial used a different net design to try and reduce by-catch after the first trial - which ran from early December 2016 to late May 2017 - caught 275 animals, nine of which were target sharks, according to the Department of Primary Industries.
Mr Jefferys wants the government to consider alternative technologies, including drones, which would provide real-time observations and warnings.
Mr Blair says the community can deliver feedback during an online and phone survey that runs from May 9 to May 18.
The feedback will inform decision-making on shark nets for next season, the minister added.
With warm weather continuing along the NSW coast, Mr Blair reminded swimmers to take care.
"I encourage all beachgoers to check the signs, avoid dark turbid and murky waters and avoid swimming and surfing near schools of baitfish," he said.
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