Drones, nets, fishing and culling: what will protect you from shark bites?

Beaches across the Northern Beaches LGA have been closed to the public until further notice following a string of shark attacks across NSW, including one in Manly and another in Dee Why. 

With public concerns rising, a number of solutions have been suggested by politicians, professional fishers, commentators and scientists. Everything from mass culls, drone surveillance, shark fin soup, nets and satellite imagery have been put forward. 

But what will actually help locals stay safe in the water? 

Who protects us from sharks? Shark mitigation measures largely fall upon the NSW government, which deploys multiple measures, including drone surveillance, shark nets, drumlines, and tagged shark listening stations across the state.

• Some of these measures — like nets and drumlines — are handed to private contractors, while drone surveillance is jointly conducted by the Australian UAV Service, Surf Lifesaving NSW, and local boardrider clubs.

Drone watch: While currently taking place across the NSW coast, local MPs have called for increased funding to drone surveillance, ensuring more frequent and broader patrolling. 

• Currently, the Northern Beaches coastline only employs three surveillance drones, on South Narrabeen, Dee Why, and Palm Beach.

Late last year, the NSW government committed 2.5 million dollars to drone programs. 

🗣️ Local Pittwater MP, Jacqui Scruby, has stated that while this is a good start, she will continue to push for more until “comprehensive metro beach coverage” is established.

James Griffin, the state member for Manly, has suggested “24/7 AI-monitored oversight” as a solution.

What about nets?: Shark nets, which have been used in Australia since the late 1930s, have come under increased scrutiny in recent decades. Questions continue around effectiveness and the harm these nets cause local ecosystems. 

• Marine scientist Lawrence Chlebeck told the Lorikeet nets were not backed by science, and did not provide public safety.

Drone surveillance, on the other hand, has been regarded by experts as a method effective at keeping both humans and marine life safe. 

How drones are used: When a shark is spotted close to a beach by a drone, the information is relayed to on duty lifeguards, who can then call beachgoers in.

• However, murky water conditions — which have occurred this week following storms and rainfall — make it difficult for drones to spot sharks.

SharkSmart NSW — a state government agency providing information about sharks — advises beachgoers to avoid swimming or surfing at dawn and dusk, near the mouths of rivers and harbours, near bait balls, and in murky water. 

Federal support: Among the recommendations of a 2017 senate inquiry into shark mitigation were the immediate removal of lethal drum lines and phase out of shark nets. 

• This week, Greens Senator Peter Whish-Wilson echoed those findings, calling the long-standing measures a “lazy and ineffective approach”.

According to the Greens, the issue is one that cannot be solely left to states and territories. They have called for federal funding toward mitigation measures, research, and education across the country. 

• Zali Steggall, representative for the coastal electorate of Warringah, has also called for increased shark monitoring, detection and early-warning systems, as well as improved public education regarding ocean conditions.