Assessment of the attitudes of beach and ocean end-users to shark mitigation since trials of SMART Drumlines in NSW. (2018-2019)
Funding
NSW Department of Primary Industries - NSW Shark Management Strategy, $50,000
Research Theme
Rural and Regional Communities
Researchers/investigators
Associate Professor Peter Simmons, Dr Michael Mehmet with contributing authors Dr Belinda Curley, (NSW DPI) and Kim Wolfenden (NSW DPI)
Description
This collaborative study of community attitudes to shark mitigation strategies focussed on five NSW coastal towns – Ulladulla, Kiama, Forster, Coffs Harbour and Ballina - where SMART Drumlines have been trialled.
Focus group sessions were held in August and September 2018 with beach and ocean end users (swimmers, surfers, anglers, marine environment and coastal conservation, lifeguards, tourist operators and small business). Participants had the opportunity to discuss what was important to them on topics of shark risk mitigation, with a focus on attitudes to/awareness of SMART Drumlines, listening stations, and the SharkSmart App.
The over-arching research question was: “What are the attitudes of beach and ocean end-users to shark mitigation since trials of SMART Drumlines?”
The discussions highlighted the importance of engaging local communities in policy and strategy design. Although generally positive about shark mitigation, it was clear that different communities perceive different needs for mitigation, and hold different attitudes to specific approaches to surveillance and protection. Some communities desire multiple interventions, some perceive they do not have a problem with sharks and have no need for intervention.
The SMART Drumlines report is published here under Smart Drumlines Community Feedback.
https://www.sharksmart.nsw.gov.au/technology-trials-and-research/smart-drumlines
Outputs
Simmons, P., Mehmet, M., Curley, B. & Wolfenden, K. (2019) Assessment of the attitudes of beach and ocean users to shark mitigation following SMART drumline trials in NSW.
Outcomes
The findings and final report help NSW DPI to consider trends in community sentiment when deciding policy and targeting communication about policy.
Contact:
Associate Professor Peter Simmons
email
Dr Michael Mehmet
email
February 2019