Terrifying Sydney shark encounter sparks drone scrutiny but expert says public expectations are too high

Sydney’s new shark surveillance drones are facing growing scrutiny after a terrifying close call at Curl Curl Beach, but an expert has said the technology is being burdened by unrealistic expectations.

A bodyboarder came within 1m of a suspected great white shark on Tuesday but no alarm sounded, and the bodyboarder was left to usher fellow surfers from the water himself.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Drone surveillance questioned after close shark encounter

The shark alarm finally activated more than an hour after the encounter, prompting questions over the effectiveness of the state’s new drone surveillance program.

As part of the program, a fleet of drones has been deployed at some of Sydney’s most popular beaches to monitor for sharks.

The NSW Government’s $87 million plan was made immediately available in June for lifesavers to use the aircraft above Bondi, Tamarama and Maroubra Beaches.

The chance encounter at Curl Curl has raised concerns about the system but University of Sydney Associate Professor Chris Pepin-Neff said Australians need to reset their expectations.

Speaking on Sunrise on Thursday, Pepin-Neff warned the technology is still in its early stages and cannot detect every shark in the water.

“Sharks have been swimming along the coast for six million years. The program has been in effect for six weeks,” Pepin-Neff said.

“So, it’s going to take the entire season. There are going to be more shark alarms. There are going to be more shark sightings. That does not mean there’s more sharks, and they’re not coming after us, but we’re looking for them now.”

Pepin-Neff said many people expected the drones to provide constant coverage, but that was never really a possibility.

“It’s not like there’s an army of 10 drones out at once patrolling the area. The shark could be on the left, and the drone could be on the right,” Pepin-Neff said.

“It’s going to take time … and I wouldn’t be surprised if we see bites on boards and other things while there are aerial drones in the air.”

Pepin-Neff also warned the technology has significant limitations, with things such as glare, cloud, wind, and rain having impacts on visibility.

El Niño conditions were also bringing white sharks closer to shore in California, Cape Cod, Cape Town and Sydney, with Pepin-Neff saying Australia was not unique.

“We are not special,” they said.

Pepin-Neff said surf lifesavers were concerned they could unfairly be blamed if a shark bite occurred while drones were operating.

“They’re scared that if there’s a drone in the air and there’s a shark bite that they’re going to get blamed,” they said.

“And we need to reassure them that everyone can do everything right and things still happen in the ocean.”

Despite the challenges, Pepin-Neff said shark surveillance technology would continue to improve, with AI-powered unmanned drones expected to play a major role in the future.

“The good news is that there are going to be unmanned drones that don’t require anybody to even look at anything,” they said.

“They’re going to be rolled out, and AI is getting better.”