Consultation and social research reports
Partner organisation: University of Wollongong
A community engagement program was undertaken in 2021 to share the results of the five-year Shark Management Strategy, and to seek Council and community views via an online survey on preferences for shark mitigation measures to guide future government decisions.
The comprehensive consultation process considered the views of 25 Coastal Councils, 40 stakeholder organisations and over 4000 individual community members, with results compiled in a report by the University of Wollongong.
- Mehmet, M., Lewis, C., & Simmons, P. (2021). Preferred shark mitigation measures of NSW coastal councils and their communities.
Shark Management Strategy annual grant funded projects
Partner organisation: Charles Sturt University
This study investigated community perceptions (PDF, 1352.42 KB) of approaches to shark management, including acceptability of a range of lethal and non-lethal strategies. The project gathered people's perceptions to assist with shark management policy development and communication.
- Simmons, P & Mehmet, M (2018). Shark management strategy policy considerations: Community preferences, reasoning and speculations. Marine Policy, 96, 111-119
Partner organisations: Beyond The Bite Inc. and The University of Sydney
This study assessed the psychological impact of a shark attack. Beyond the Bite is a support group of over 250 members including survivors, first responders, witnesses, friends and families of survivors and fatal victims. Understanding the psychological impact of those directly affected by a shark attack will assist in the development of better targeted support services for these people.
- Taylor, J., McLean, L., Korner, A., & Glozier, N. (2018). Direct and indirect psychological impacts of shark-bite events. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry.
- Executive summary and key findings - Direct and indirect psychological impacts of shark-bite events (PDF, 100.54 KB)
Partner organisation: Southern Cross University
Funded in 2018/2019, this study provided an understanding of tourist behaviour associated with water-based activities at Ballina’s ocean beaches (PDF, 512.46 KB) The project drew upon social psychological empirical methods to measure and achieve socio-economic outcomes, including behaviour change. It captures perceptions, current behaviour and behavioural intentions of tourist towards the safety and risks associated with water-based recreation at Ballina beaches.
Partner organisation: University of Technology
Funded in 2018/2019, this study provided insights into beach users awareness, knowledge, attitudes, perception and preferences to management approaches to reduce risk of shark interactions (PDF, 7266.08 KB). The project worked with beach users to identify the factors that may be the key to change beach user’s behaviour following implementation of different management approaches to reduce risk of shark interactions. Workshops were conducted using a participatory approach and outcomes were recorded as visual artworks.
Partner organisation: Charles Sturt University
Funded in 2018/2019, this study will explore beach and ocean user attitudes to options for shark management with a special focus on circumstances that change perceptions, preferences, tolerances and behaviour.