What to do about the recent spate of shark attacks?

Australia has seen three fatal shark attacks in just a few weeks, with the most recent one killing a 17-year-old in Queensland. Meanwhile, the practice of setting shark nets has been a source of controversy, criticised for its environmental impact and inefficiency. Is the situation really getting worse, and what can actually be done to avoid shark attacks?

Great White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias). Credit: Rights Managed/MARY EVANS