Leading marine experts from around the world are helping usher in a new array of shark detection and repelling technologies.
In 2009, navy diver Paul De Gelder almost lost his life.
He was mauled by a bull shark that took his right hand and his right leg below the knee.
It's a terror that will never leave him.
"It shook me around, tearing me to pieces for about 10 seconds. The pain was something I can't even explain to you."
Paul now calls himself a shark conservationist and works making documentaries about sharks in waters around the world.
He's calling for a broad suite of options to help reduce the growing number of shark attacks in Australian waters.
"There is a numerous amount of different technologies emerging, some quite technical, some very simple. And I think it's going to be an integration of all of those things put together."
There've been 29 attacks in Australia this year alone.
Nineteen of those have been unprovoked.
Most have happened in New South Wales.
Two were fatal - one at Ballina in northern New South Wales, and the other in waters off Tasmania.
The majority of shark attacks occur at ocean beaches and surfers are usually involved.
Marine researchers say there's not enough data on shark migration and behaviour, and it's hindering efforts to make beaches safer.
In response, the New South Wales government called a shark summit in Sydney to help fill that knowledge gap.
It's hoped marine experts can reach a scientific consensus on the best way to protect beachgoers - and sharks.
Dr Daryl McPhee co-authored a new report looking into the various technologies aiming to make beachgoers and bathers safer.
"I am optimistic we will be able to come up with a statistically robust approach to developing, implementing and trialling some new potential options."
So what are those options?
They include deterrents like temporary nets, camouflage wetsuits and electric repellent systems.
And shark detectors like sonar buoys, acoustic tagging and shark spotter programs.
But the summit heard many emerging anti-shark technologies aren't ready yet, and some developers have been asked to fine-tune their products before use at public beaches.
Dr McPhee says among the many options, a handful of viable choices should emerge.
"So, we have a large toolbox. If we can trial two or three I think that will be a very good outcome."
It's a plan New South Wales Premier Mike Baird is behind.
"Ultimately what we want to do is respond to this issue in a way that's systematic and in response to the science and that exactly what we'll be doing and as quickly as we possibly can."
But there's no guarantee any of these options will be ready for this summer.
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