Fatal shark bites are rising as human–shark overlap increases along populated coasts

Bottom-set gillnets off bathing beaches entangle and kill large sharks to thin local numbers. Long-established, but they are a culling device, not a barrier: sharks pass around them, bycatch of turtles, dolphins and rays is high, and bite-reduction evidence is weak.

Phone apps push real-time shark alerts — automatically when a tagged shark passes an acoustic listening station, plus crowd-sourced or spotter-confirmed sightings. Cheap to distribute and good for awareness, but only tagged or seen sharks appear, risking false reassurance.

Trained pilots fly drones over patrolled beaches, spotting sharks from above in real time so lifeguards can warn or clear the water. Non-lethal, near-zero marine impact, and the same flights also catch rip currents and missing swimmers. Limited to good weather and clear water.

A fence from seabed to surface and shore to shore fully encloses a swim area, keeping sharks out without trapping or killing wildlife. Inside the enclosure protection is near-absolute, but it suits sheltered beaches only and protects just that zone, not the open surf.

Cut overlap by changing when and where people swim: avoid dawn, dusk and night; stay out after heavy rain and away from river mouths and murky water; keep clear of baitfish, seals and fishing; swim at patrolled beaches. Cheap and universal, but only as good as compliance.