No fix-all for shark attacks: scientist

The "dismal failure" of the NSW government's shark barriers on the north coast proves there's no magic bullet when it comes to stopping shark attacks, a scientist says.

A Senate inquiry into shark mitigation and deterrent measures in Ballina on Tuesday heard from scientists, business owners and a shark attack survivor as the federal government investigates better ways to protect beachgoers.

A shark barrier trial at two north coast beaches was called off in 2016 after barriers failed to withstand rough conditions.

"There is a proportion of people who oppose a cull but feel safer knowing there are shark nets or drum lines there - which are in fact culling tools (anyway)," Bond University Associate Professor Daryl McPhee told AAP on Tuesday.

Shark culls may make the public feel safer but there was no scientific evidence to say they reduced attacks, he said after giving evidence to the inquiry.

More research was needed, even though Australia was leading the way in developing shark attack prevention technology, Assoc Prof McPhee said.

"The barrier net trial on the northern NSW coast was a dismal failure - probably a predictable one."

The size of Australia's coastline and the different conditions meant different solutions were needed for different areas, he said.