New South Wales is expanding its shark-spotting drone program across beaches in and around Sydney in response to a rise in shark attacks and sightings. Multiple outlets report the program will operate year-round, with drones monitoring beaches every day and relaying shark sightings to authorities. SBS News, RTE, and other sources describe an expansion that increases the number of participating beaches to about 70 to 72 (with some reporting 70 and others 72) covered each day of the year.
SBS News says the NSW government is providing an additional A$34 million to fund the expanded monitoring, and it notes authorities have hopes of eventual AI automation to support the system. The Conversation emphasizes that drone spotting is intended primarily as reassurance and improved monitoring rather than full protection, and it frames the limitations of relying on sightings alone.
Channel NewsAsia reports drones have detected sharks multiple times over a short period off Sydney beaches, and it states the drones are focused on reporting species considered more likely to pose a risk to humans, including bull, tiger and white sharks. Overall, the program aims to strengthen surveillance and situational awareness for beach safety.
