Do shark culls keep people safe in the ocean? Here’s what the science says

Key Points:

• A 35-year-old woman was bitten by a suspected great white shark at Coogee Beach, Sydney, prompting calls for shark culls from figures like Federal Liberal Party president Tony Abbott and consideration of bull shark culls by NSW Premier Chris Minns due to increased shark bites this summer.
• Shark bites have risen globally and in Australia over the past 40 years, but this trend is likely due to multiple factors including human population growth, habitat changes, water quality decline, climate change, and shifts in shark and prey distribution, rather than just an increase in shark populations.
• Research on shark culling shows mixed results, with some regions seeing reduced interactions but others, like Hawaii’s 1960s-70s program, showing no decrease in bite rates despite thousands of sharks killed; culling may require large numbers to impact bite risk and can harm marine ecosystems.
• Non-lethal measures such as drone surveillance, SMART drumlines, shark listening stations, personal deterrents, bite-resistant materials, and improved first aid training have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing shark bite risk and are preferred ethically and publicly over culling.
• Experts recommend a combined approach using area-based non-lethal measures, personal protection, and education to mitigate shark bite risks while preserving marine ecosystems and allowing safe enjoyment of coastal activities.