How NSW plans to keep people safe from sharks this summer

After an increase in the number of shark attacks on New South Wales beaches, questions have been raised on how to keep Australians safe from the growing threat as summer approaches.

There have been 14 attacks along the New South Wales coast this year alone, with five fatalities across Australia threatening the summer beach-going tradition.

Many beaches throughout NSW use shark nets, which have been in use since 1937, although there are differing views over their effectiveness.

Michael Brown of Surfwatch told 9NEWS reporter Chris Urquhart shark nets were failing to protect swimmers and surfers, while endangering other marine life.

“There have been over 34 attacks on netted beaches, 13 attacks in the last ten years alone, shark nets are definitely not the answer,” he said.

“There have been over 100,000 animals that have been caught in it, and for the bulk of them are animals like dolphins, seals, dugongs, turtles, the list goes on and on.”

The nets are not on every beach and do not cover their full length.

However NSW fisheries minister Niall Blair claims the nets work in reducing attacks, though he says other technologies could be used to address imperfections.

“We know that there are some disadvantages and that’s why we’re also looking at other technologies that we may be able to apply here in New South Wales,” he said.

Mr Brown believes the best answer at present lies in monitoring bait fish and warning swimmers when schools are near beaches.

“Certainly if you look at most of the attacks, they’ve taken place in and amongst areas where there have been bait fish and whales,” Mr Brown said.

Premier Mike Baird has addressed the issue, writing a Facebook post in August on the government’s plans to increase water safety and confirming a shark summit will be held later this month.

“My real hope is that technological advances will eventually mean we can replace the nets altogether so we can have safe beaches with no nets required,” he wrote.

“In the immediate term, we are spending $250,000 ahead of spring and summer to increase surveillance and shark tagging to try and reduce the risk of further attacks.”

Technologies such as sonar buoys, repellent wetsuits and electronic signals have also come onto the market in recent years, although their effectiveness is still debated.