This article was published on 20 August 2025 and updated on 27 September 2026.
Update of 27 September 2026
Expanded winter surveillance in New South Wales recorded more than 1,200 shark detections and 360 interventions in July and August. The Sydney Morning Herald reported the figures on 27 September, citing newly released government data. Interventions include alarms, jet ski deployments and beach evacuations; the figure does not mean 360 shark attacks were prevented.
The previously announced expansion to 73 drones at 97 beaches accompanies the spring and summer holidays. The report also says an AI trial system is being prepared to help pilots detect sharks and identify species. This does not establish that AI is already operating throughout the programme.
More observation hours can produce more sightings without an increase in shark numbers. Detections are not a count of distinct individuals either. The earlier article on drone species identification therefore remains relevant: identifying species from the air can also be inaccurate.
Update of 1 September 2026: nets return to 51 beaches
The New South Wales government is not continuing the removal trial described in this article during the 2026/27 season. According to its new package of measures, shark nets are being installed again from 1 September at all 51 program beaches between Newcastle and Wollongong. The season runs until 31 March 2027. None of the three trial sites in Waverley, Northern Beaches and Central Coast therefore remains net-free in the new official program overview.
At the same time, NSW is greatly expanding non-lethal surveillance: 73 drones will monitor 97 beaches and deliver more than 300,000 surveillance hours during the year. The program also includes 305 SMART drumlines between Tweed Heads and Bega and two new acoustic listening stations in Sydney Harbour. Flying hours will be extended from September, with a further expansion during the school holidays from 26 September. An earlier Haitauchen analysis also showed that real-time drone species identification is not error-free.
Humane World for Animals Australia criticises the return of the nets as an outdated, indiscriminate method alongside the now extensive drone technology. Nets do not form a closed barrier and can catch dolphins, turtles, rays and non-target sharks. The government describes the overall program as an evidence-based mix of measures, but its current release does not provide a direct comparison attributing an additional safety benefit specifically to nets over drones, listening stations and SMART drumlines.
The new season therefore changes the outcome of the original pilot: net removal was not permanently extended to more beaches. NSW is instead returning to a combination of nets and greatly expanded technology. Whether this mix improves safety, and how many non-target animals are caught, can only be assessed from the catch, deployment and incident data for the 2026/27 season.
Shark nets are around 150 metres long and lie several hundred metres offshore in the water. Contrary to what many beachgoers believe, they do not form a barrier. Sharks can easily swim under or over the nets. Around 40 per cent of the trapped animals become entangled on the inshore side, meaning they had already reached the swimming area. Moreover, the nets do not only kill sharks but also dolphins, sea turtles, and other marine lifeācompletely indiscriminately.
Alternatives to killing sharks
Australia has been using modern, non-lethal methods for several years, such as drone surveillance, SMART drumlines (where sharks are caught, tagged, and released), real-time alert systems, and public education. States like South Australia or Western Australia have already abolished shark nets and rely exclusively on these approaches.
In Queensland, by contrast, the use of nets and baited lines has even been expanded recentlyāa course of action criticised by experts as a politically motivated “tough stance” on sharks.
Changing societal attitudes
Studies show that while the publicās fear of sharks remains consistently high, support for lethal measures is declining. Many people were previously unaware that nets are designed to kill sharks, not to keep them away. Recent research also indicates no difference in shark encounters between beaches with or without nets.
Rare incidents ā other dangers greater
Between 2015 and 2025, Australia averaged about 20 injuries and nearly three fatalities per year from shark attacks. In the same period, 150 people drowned while swimming last year alone, including 84 at beaches. Statistically, the risk from sharks is very low compared to other dangers at sea.
A first step with symbolic impact
The selection of beaches for the trial is the responsibility of local councils, which are to submit their proposals to the government by the end of August. Experts view the initiative as a significant turning point: it provides an opportunity to demonstrate the benefits of modern protection methods to the public while also enhancing the protection of endangered marine animals.