Shark attacks in Australia remain rare but appear to be increasing — with 56 fatal incidents recorded over the past 25 years, compared to 27 in the previous quarter-century.
Above Sydney’s beaches, drones now patrol the coastline, scanning for the slightest flick of a fin or shadow in the surf, AFP reports. In 2024 alone, Australians made over 650 million beach visits.
Rising sea temperatures and crowded waters are believed to contribute to more frequent shark encounters, even as overfishing reduces some species’ numbers.
Drone pilots from Surf Life Saving New South Wales monitor tiger sharks, bull sharks, and great whites — the species responsible for most attacks. If a dangerous shark is spotted, rescuers deploy jet skis or boats to drive it away.
Swimmers and surfers can track shark movements via the Shark Smart mobile app, which provides real-time alerts when a tagged shark approaches monitored zones.
Traditional shark nets, still in use across parts of New South Wales and Queensland, remain controversial. Environmentalists argue they kill turtles, dolphins, and rays — some of them endangered.
Scientists from Flinders University are testing bite-resistant wetsuits and electronic shark deterrents, which can cut the risk of bites by around 60%.
Since 1791, Australia has recorded over 1,280 shark incidents, around 260 of them fatal — yet drowning remains a far greater threat, with 357 deaths between June 2024 and June 2025.