Imagine a future where beachgoers can swim without the constant fear of shark encounters, all while protecting marine life. That’s the promise of shark-spotting drones, a technology set to revolutionize Queensland’s beaches. But here’s where it gets controversial: despite their proven effectiveness, traditional shark nets—deadly to dolphins, whales, and turtles—are still in use. Why? Let’s dive in.
Queensland is doubling down on its commitment to shark-spotting drones after a groundbreaking four-year study revealed they detect more than twice as many sharks as adjacent nets. These drones aren’t just about spotting sharks; they’re a game-changer for beach safety. Rob Adsett, chief remote pilot at Surf Life Saving Queensland, calls them a ‘game-changing surveillance tool’ that gives lifeguards a bird’s-eye view of beach conditions, aids in search and rescue, and helps manage shark risks without overreacting. For instance, instead of closing a beach for hours based on a single shark report, drones allow lifeguards to confirm threats in real time, minimizing disruptions.
And this is the part most people miss: drones don’t just save humans—they’re far kinder to the environment. During the trial, shark nets caught 123 non-target animals, including protected species like dolphins and turtles, with about half found dead. Drones, on the other hand, have a ‘negligible environmental impact,’ according to the Queensland government report. Yet, the state continues to deploy 27 nets and 383 drum lines designed to kill sharks, despite evidence of their harm to marine life.
The trial, which ran from 2020 to 2024, recorded 676 shark sightings by drones, including 190 sharks larger than 2 meters—far surpassing the numbers caught by traditional methods. Marine ecologist Prof Robert Harcourt isn’t surprised. ‘Drones are incredibly effective in clear waters and sandy beaches,’ he says. ‘They don’t stop sharks, but they let us see them and warn swimmers, preventing harm.’ He argues that nets are more about fishing than protecting beaches.
Here’s the controversial question: If drones are safer and more effective, why not replace nets entirely? Prof Charlie Huveneers notes that while drones aren’t perfect—they struggle in strong winds or low visibility—they should be a core part of shark management. Yet, the Department of Primary Industries insists nets and drum lines are still ‘core program gear.’
Queensland plans to expand drone use to 20 beaches by 2029, but nets remain a ‘permanent fixture.’ Meanwhile, research shows no significant difference in shark incidents between netted and non-netted beaches since the 2000s. So, are nets truly necessary, or is it time to embrace smarter, kinder solutions?
What do you think? Should Queensland phase out shark nets in favor of drones and ‘smart drum lines’? Let us know in the comments—this debate is far from over.
