Shark surveillance drones to patrol NSW boardrider clubs in honour of shark victim
Surveillance drones named after a surfer killed in a shark attack will be deployed along NSW beaches.
Surfing peak NSW has received an additional $650,000 investment from the NSW government as part of the $30 million Shark Management Program in the summer of 2025/26.
As part of this, a shark surveillance program using drones and a new group of volunteer drone pilots has been expanded to ensure every sailor’s club has a drone and trained pilots.
Starting on the Northern Beaches, 60 drones will be distributed to 60 unequipped clubs in NSW and 125 pilots will be trained by the end of winter.
Every drone deployed through this expanded program will bear the name of Mercury ‘Merc’ Psillakis.
Mr Psillakis was a much-loved Northern Beaches surfer who died from a shark attack in September last year.
Surfing NSW CEO Lucas Townsend said the surfing community had come together after Mr Psillakis’ death with the common intention of making beaches safer.
“There are 120 boardrider clubs along the NSW coast with more than 11,500 active members of all ages, 50 per cent of these members are under 18 and the number of these young people continues to grow,” he said.
“This aerial surveillance program is for competitive surfers and nearby beachgoers.”
Drones will support boarding clubs during events and training sessions, while providing an additional layer of security for surfers and beachgoers, especially outside of patrolled hours and locations.
The drones will be deployed year-round with trained pilots who can detect high-risk species and monitor activities in real time.
Shark sightings will be uploaded to the SharkSmart app to allow beachgoers to make an informed decision before entering the water.
Agriculture minister Tara Moriarty said beach safety for swimmers and surfers was the government’s “number one priority”.
“This comprehensive drone and training program for Surfing NSW ensures every club has a drone and trained pilots, which is a significant contribution to honoring his (Mr Psillakis) legacy,” he said.
“This will materially remove community-led coastal surveillance during the winter and spring, which is White Shark season, and move forward into next summer.”
The Psillakis family said they were grateful to see this “significant step forward” in ocean safety.
“The launch of these drones on behalf of Mercury has deep meaning for us and our family. It is an honor that recognizes not only his life, but also the love we continue to carry for him every day,” they said.
