NSW Shark Nets and Attacks

NETTING SHARKS IN NSW

- Shark meshing program introduced in 1937

- Nets checked at least every 72 hours

- All live marine life found in the nets are freed

- Nets don't cover entire beach, they're designed to deter sharks from establishing territories.

- Beach nets protect around two million swimmers each year.

Source: Department of Primary Industries

SHARK ATTACK NUMBERS

- Since 1791, there have been 970 shark attacks in Australia

- 220 have been fatal

- Two fatal attacks in 2014: Paul Wilcox, 50, great white shark, Byron Bay, NSW. Christine Armstrong, 63, Tathra Beach, NSW.

- Average of one fatal attack per year

Source: Australian Shark Attack File