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This article by BeachGrit examines the dramatic increase in fatal Great White shark attacks in Australia since the species gained protected status in the 1990s, using the recent death of Sydney surfer Mercury Psillakis as a catalyst for discussion.

The piece argues that shark attacks have become significantly more common since protection laws were enacted, listing dozens of victims who have died in Great White attacks since 1996. Traditional shark mitigation methods like culling, nets, and drone surveillance are dismissed as either politically unpalatable or ineffective window dressing.

• Great White shark attacks were extremely rare before the species received protected status in NSW (1996) and federally (1999)
• Over 40 people have been killed by Great Whites since protection began, contradicting claims these attacks are "rare"
• Current prevention methods like drones, tagging, and magnetic bracelets are criticized as inadequate solutions
• Trained dolphins could potentially patrol beaches and deter sharks, as they naturally confront and intimidate Great Whites through coordinated group behavior