Sometimes tough choices have to be made.

“The reality is the nets and the current program is the safest option available at the moment,” Mr Beattie said.

“I know that there will be some in the conservation movement who are not going to be happy about what happens to whales and to other marine animals like turtles, but the Government has to make a choice.

“It is an ugly choice between people and marine animals and we have chosen people.”