Shark nets deployed along five NSW beaches

Shark nets have been dropped across five NSW north coast beaches ahead of the school Christmas break.

The controversial nets were deployed on Thursday for a six-month trial at Lighthouse, Sharpes and Shelly beaches at Ballina, Seven Mile Beach at Lennox Head and Evans Head Beach following six shark attacks this year on the north and mid-north coasts.

The move comes three weeks after NSW Premier Mike Baird oversaw test shark nets dropped in Ballina.

NSW Primary Industries Minister Niall Blair said on Thursday the test nets had been successful.

"The initial testing of the nets over the past few weeks has allowed contractors to make amendments to help withstand local conditions and give the trial the best chance of success," Mr Blair said.

"The nets have been fitted with whale alarms and dolphin pingers like those used between Newcastle and Wollongong to assist in deterring whales and dolphins and will be checked twice daily."

The first 10 of an additional 85 SMART drumlines were also rolled out along the north coast beaches on Thursday.

The NSW Department of Primary Industries has tagged 68 great white sharks and 88 bulls on SMART drumlines since August 2015.

All animals caught using SMART drumlines have been released alive.