THE HALFAX HEIMDALL AUGUR

Shark‑spotting drones are about reassurance - not full protection Anna Kucera/AAP Sharks are front of mind for many Sydneysiders and coastal New South Wales residents. In January, a teenager died amid a spate of attacks in and around Sydney. This month, a woman was bitten by a large great white while swimming close to shore and between the flags at Coogee Beach. These incidents have made many swimmers and surfers fearful of returning to the ocean . Public figures have called for shark culls . The NSW government has ruled out culling great whites, a protected species, but is considering a bull shark cull. This week, it announced $A34 million in new funding to expand its shark-spotting drone program , as part of a larger shark safety program. It will mean daily drone surveillance of around 70 beaches, including every Sydney beach and one for each coastal council. While spotter drones are a genuine advance in shark detection, they’re not foolproof. After flying spotter drones over Sydney beaches for a season, this article’s lead author found shark detection didn’t mean protection. Read more: How shoring up drones with artificial intelligence helps surf lifesavers spot sharks at the b…

Shark‑spotting drones are about reassurance—not full protection June 30, 2026 Shark‑spotting drones are about reassurance—not full protection by Samuel Cornell, Rob Brander, The Conversation edited by Sadie Harley , reviewed by Andrew Zinin Editors' notes This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: fact-checked trusted source written by researcher(s) proofread The GIST Add as preferred source Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Sharks are front of mind for many Sydneysiders and coastal New South Wales residents. In January, a teenager died amid a spate of attacks in and around Sydney. This month, a woman was bitten by a large great white while swimming close to shore and between the flags at Coogee Beach. These incidents have made many swimmers and surfers fearful of returning to the ocean . Public figures have called for shark culls . The NSW government has ruled out culling great whites, a protected species, but is considering a bull shark cull. This week, it announced A$34 million in new funding to expand it…

More shark attacks are inevitable | The Spectator Australia Flat White Andrew Christopher 21 January 2026 9:00 AM 21 January 2026 9:00 AM I wrote a piece for the Spectator last Septemberin the wake of the fatal shark attack on Sydney Northern Beaches surfer Mercury Psilakis. Mr Psilakis was a popular member of the beachside community, tragically mauled by a shark whilst surfing. I made the point that shark numbers are on the increase, including large species of sharks that attack humans and that there will be more human shark encounters as a result of fisheries’ management, a ban on culling and finning and greater numbers of people using the ocean as coastal populations surge. I also outlined my derision for people who make heartless and unthinking comments about sharks being the natural masters of the ocean and who suggest that those who swim or surf are somehow to blame or should take being killed by a shark with a fatalistic shrug of the shoulders. I won’t repeat the points made in that piece and, if interested, you can read it for yourself. There were three shark attacks in two days this week on 18 and 19 January. One in Vaucluse, one in Manly, and one in Dee Why. The …

Shark‑spotting drones offer reassurance - not full protection Home › Nature & Wildlife › Shark‑spotting drones offer reassurance – not full protection Shark‑spotting drones offer reassurance – not full protection By Samuel Cornell, The University of Queensland and Rob Brander, UNSW Sydney • 2 July 2026 🕐 Reading Time: 4 Minutes • 🖨️ Print this page While shark-spotter drones are a genuine advance in shark detection, they’re not foolproof. Sharks are front of mind for many Sydneysiders and coastal New South Wales residents. In January, a teenager died amid a spate of attacks in and around Sydney. This month, a woman was bitten by a large great white while swimming close to shore and between the flags at Coogee Beach. These incidents have made many swimmers and surfers fearful of returning to the ocean. Public figures have called for shark culls. The NSW government has ruled out culling great whites, a protected species , but is considering a bull shark cull. This week, it announced $A34 million in new funding to expand its shark-spotting drone program , as part of a larger shark safety program. It will mean daily drone surveillance of around 70 beaches, including every Sydney beach…

Teal MP says NOW is the time to remove shark nets - despite four ... BySARAH BROOKES - SENIOR REPORTER, AUSTRALIA Published:01:04 EDT, 20 January 2026|Updated:01:04 EDT, 20 January 2026 119 Viewcomments Teal MP Zali Steggall has denounced shark nets as 'ineffective' after a spate of terrifying attacks left Sydneysiders on edge. Steggall said there had been a spike in shark sightings close to shore as she urged authorities to abandon outdated approaches to beach safety. 'Traditional shark nets are not the answer – they are outdated, environmentally damaging and not always effective,' she said. 'We need investment in contemporary shark monitoring, detection and early-warning systems, as well as improved public education about ocean conditions.' Former prime ministerTony Abbott- a regular surfer onSydney's northern beaches and the MP Steggall ousted - hit back, saying human safety must come first. 'This didn't happen because of the weather or the time of day but because there are too many sharks,' he wrote onFacebook. 'It's way past time to reintroduce the shark fishery.' Surfer Mike Psillakis, whose brother Mercury was killed in a shark attack at Dee Why in September 2025…

'See shark movements': Bizarre moment NSW Minister responsible for ... 'See shark movements': Bizarre moment NSW Minister responsible for shark management directs swimmers to app as she pushes back against calls for culling The minister responsible for NSW’s shark plan has pushed back on calls for a bull shark cull, instead directing swimmers to a mobile app and suggesting they “just take a break” from the beach in the wake of a spate of serious encounters. Max Aldred Digital Reporter 4 min read January 22, 2026 - 2:30PM The Minister responsible for New South Wales’ shark plan has pushed back on calls for a bull shark cull, instead directing swimmers to a mobile app and suggesting they “just take a break” from the beach. NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty said on Wednesday her government was doing "everything" it could following four shark encounters in just 48 hours – three in Sydney and one on the Mid North Coast. Scientists said bull sharks have been drawn towards surfers and swimmers by warm, brackish water and plentiful schools of bait fish after recent rains. Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott has led calls for the government to consider allowing the culling of bull shark…

Shark culls among 'worst things' for beach safety, marine biologist says Culling sharks would not reduce the risk of attacks because of their migratory behaviour, a marine biologist says, as debate reignites on how to make Sydney beaches safer.

Why Culling Sharks is a Dumb Idea - The Inertia “It’s coming right for us! Kill it! Kill all of them!” Photo: Wikimedia Commons I’m just going to come out and say something: this whole shark culling thing needs to come to an end, and quickly. I’m not going to say that anyone that agrees with it is wrong, or dumb, or cruel, but I will say that they’re misinformed. Culling sharks does NOT work. It only serves to make the people that assume that killing large, terrifying predators decreases attack rates feel better. Yes, shark attacks happen, although comparatively rarely. Yes, they’re horrible, and sad, and so fucking scary I hate even thinking about it. And no, I’ve never been attacked by a shark. I don’t know anyone who has. I do know people that have been attacked by dogs. I’ve been attacked by dogs. And I love dogs. I carry a pocket full of dog treats around with me just in case I run into one, which makes me look like a weirdo. But I don’t want to kill dogs. I don’t want anyone to kill dogs. And they’re ACTUALLY “in our backyard,” not like in the figurative sense that everyone says about sharks. “They’re in our own backyard!” they say. No, they’re not. We’re in their kitchen, a…

Australia news live: shark-spotting drones to patrol NSW beaches year-round <p>Premier Chris Minns says technology will be largest expansion of aerial shark surveillance in the world. Follow the day’s updates live</p><ul><li><p>Get our <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/email-newsletters?CMP=cvau_sfl">breaking news email</a>, <a href="https://app.adjust.com/w4u7jx3">free app</a> or <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/series/full-story?CMP=cvau_sfl">daily news podcast</a></p></li></ul><p><strong>Drone technology won’t be ‘foolproof’ but should ‘mitigate the risk’, NSW premier says </strong></p><p>The New South Wales premier, Chris Minns, says the state government’s expansion of shark surveillance came in response to a reduction in the number of people visiting beaches amid a spate of shark attacks.</p><p>We now are in a situation where … we seen a reduction in the number of people who are enjoying our beaches and enjoying the Pacific Ocean, even in the winter period. So we know we want to take action … It’s not going to be foolproof. We can’t promise it won’t lead to further shark attacks in the future, but we think it’ll mitigate the risk.</p><p>They’re a protect…

Shark Culling's Devastating Effects On Coastal Ecosystems And Marine ... Shark Culling's Devastating Effects On Coastal Ecosystems And Marine Life Last updated Oct 22, 2025 Difficulty Beginner Posted by Meghan Hodges Category Impact Shark culling, the practice of systematically killing sharks in an effort to reduce their populations and mitigate perceived threats to human safety, has significant and far-reaching impacts on coastal ecosystems. While often implemented with the intention of protecting beachgoers, this approach disrupts the delicate balance of marine food webs, as sharks play a crucial role as apex predators in maintaining biodiversity and regulating prey populations. The removal of sharks can lead to trophic cascades, such as overpopulation of mid-level predators and depletion of smaller marine species, which in turn affects coral reef health and overall ecosystem resilience. Additionally, shark culling raises ethical concerns and contradicts global conservation efforts, as many shark species are already threatened by overfishing and habitat loss. Understanding these ecological consequences is essential for developing more sustainable and humane alternatives to ensur…

Expert Debunks Shark Cull Proposal Amid Recent Attack Surge: Here's Why ... Up next Published on 21 January 2026 Author Internewscast Share article The post has been shared by 0 people. Facebook 0 X (Twitter) 0 Pinterest 0 Mail 0 The surge in shark attacks along the NSW coast has renewed controversial calls to introduce shark culling measures , a suggestion that has sparked fierce opposition from marine experts. While NSW Premier Chris Minns has ruled out culling sharks in Sydney after four shark attacks in just 48 hours, former prime minister Tony Abbott waded into the debate and denied the incidents were due to bad weather – despite scientists pointing to the impact of recent rainfall – and claiming the state should “reintroduce the shark fishery”. Marine conservationists strongly oppose culling, asserting there’s a lack of scientific proof to support its effectiveness. While NSW Premier Chris Minns has ruled out culling sharks in Sydney after four shark attacks in just 48 hours.(Wolter Peeters) The debate over shark attack prevention has gained steam as two people fight for their lives in hospital – including a 12-year-old boy – following multiple attacks in Sydney. “It’s an …

NSW expands shark drone program with daily beach patrols NSW expands shark drone program with daily beach patrols following spate of attacks NSW has launched its expanded shark drone program, with beaches to be patrolled daily from dawn to dusk following a recent spate of shark attacks across the state. Stamatina Notaras Digital Reporter 2 min read July 1, 2026 - 9:55PM New South Wales has launched its expanded shark drone program, with beaches to be patrolled daily from dawn to dusk following a recent spate of shark attacks across the state. The expanded program will include more than 150 drones which will patrol 73 beaches daily from dawn until dusk. The drones will constantly scan for target sharks, including bull sharks, tiger sharks and white sharks, and alert swimmers when one is nearby. Surf Life Saving CEO Steven Pearce told Sky News host Jaimee Rogers the new technology is a game changer for swimmers. He forecast 500,000 yearly drone flights, covering 4.5 million kilometres in total. Mr Pearce added the drones will also monitor other wildlife, likely minimising the number of false shark sightings, which have unnecessarily forced swimmers out of the water in the past. The …

What Is Shark Culling and Why Is It So Controversial? Shark culling refers to the intentional killing of sharks by government authorities, often termed “shark control” programs. This controversial practice systematically removes sharks from specific coastal areas, primarily to reduce perceived threats to human safety in popular swimming and surfing locations. Methods of Shark Culling One method involves deploying shark nets. These nets are submerged along coastlines and designed to entangle and kill sharks, as well as other marine animals. Sharks caught in these nets may slowly suffocate, as many species require constant movement to breathe. Another common culling technique uses drumlines, unmanned aquatic traps with a baited hook suspended from a buoy, anchored to the seabed. These hooks attract and ensnare large sharks, leaving them to die or be shot by contractors if found alive. While some programs use “SMART” drumlines for non-lethal capture and relocation, traditional drumlines are lethal. Direct culling or hunting of sharks can also occur, particularly after incidents where sharks are targeted and killed. Reasons for Implementation The primary justification for shark cullin…