NSW will soon have the world’s largest shark-spotting drone program. But spotting doesn’t necessarily translate to protection.
Articles on shark bites
Displaying all articles
Culls are back on the table after a shark bit a woman at Coogee beach on Saturday.
For decades, the ‘Jaws effect’ from shark movies has fed into the public’s fear and panic – harming both sharks and humans.
Many surfers have seen sharks while surfing in the ocean. Yet, unlike the general public, 60% are not afraid of sharks. It’s a finding that offers an insight into attitudes to shark conservation.
Discerning whether that dark splodge in the water is a shark or just, say, seaweed isn’t always straightforward. In reasonable conditions, drone pilots get it right only 60% of the time.
As authorities grapple with the best way to respond to the tragedy, it’s worth remembering all shark mitigation measures come with both merits and drawbacks – and none is a silver bullet.
Top contributors
-
Lecturer in Environmental Science, Adelaide University
-
Adjunct Senior Lecturer, UNSW
-
Adjunct Professor, Southern Cross University
-
Professor, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University
-
Research Fellow in Public Health, The University of Queensland
-
Professor, UNSW Beach Safety Research Group, School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences, UNSW
-
Associate Professor of Environmental Science, Bond University