# New South Wales marine management initiatives

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/new-south-wales-marine-management-initiatives
> Updated: 2026-10-22T12:11:24.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2.

New South Wales has implemented various marine-related programs to manage coastal safety and recreational activities. Following a series of fatal attacks, the state launched a $120 million aerial shark surveillance program utilizing drone-in-a-box technology and artificial intelligence. This initiative aims to provide real-time intelligence and species identification, which has already resulted in hundreds of safety interventions, such as beach evacuations and alarms.

In addition to shark monitoring, the state is deploying 34 GPS-tracked Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) along the coast from Tweed Heads to Eden. These devices are intended to support the summer recreational fishing season by attracting baitfish and larger marine species like tuna and marlin.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-22: NSW deploys fish aggregating devices for summer season

New South Wales is deploying 34 GPS-tracked fish aggregating devices along its coast to support recreational fishing ahead of the summer season.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nsw-deploys-fish-aggregating-devices-for-summer-season

### 2026-09-26: New South Wales expands aerial shark surveillance program

New South Wales has expanded its shark surveillance program using drones and AI, following 1,225 shark detections and 360 safety interventions during a winter patrol period.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-south-wales-deploys-drone-surveillance-to-monitor-shark-activity

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Cite as: New South Wales marine management initiatives. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/new-south-wales-marine-management-initiatives