Shark surveillance drones to patrol NSW boardrider clubs in honour of shark victim

Surveillance drones bearing the name of a surfer killed in a shark attack will be deployed onto NSW beaches.

Surfing NSW, the peak body for surfing, received an additional $650,000 investment from the NSW government as part of a $30m Shark Management Program over the 2025/26 summer.

As part of this, a shark surveillance program using drones and a new cohort of volunteer drone pilots has been expanded to ensure every boardrider club has a drone and trained pilots.

Starting in the Northern Beaches, 60 drones will be rolled out to 60 unequipped clubs across NSW and 125 pilots will be trained by the end of winter.

Each drone deployed through this expanded program will carry Mercury ‘Merc’ Psillakis’s name.

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 came together after Mr Psillakis’ death with the shared intention of making the 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 those members are aged under 18, and those youth numbers continue to grow,” he said.

“This aerial surveillance program is for the competitive surfers and nearby beachgoers.”

The drones will provide an additional layer of safety for surfers and beachgoers, particularly outside of patrolled hours and locations, while supporting boardrider clubs during events and training sessions.

The drones will operate year-round with trained pilots able to identify high-risk species and monitor activities in real time.

Any 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 is “a top priority” for the government.

“This comprehensive drones and training program for Surfing NSW ensures every club has a drone and trained pilots, which is a significant contribution to honouring his (Mr Psillakis) legacy,” she said.

“This will materially lift community-led coastal surveillance during the White Shark season of winter and spring and heading into next summer.”

The Psillakis family said they are grateful to see this “important step forward” in ocean safety.

“The release of these drones in Mercury’s name is deeply meaningful to us and our family. It is an honour that recognises not only his life, but the love we continue to carry for him every day,” they said.