In the context of an Australian debate concerning the choice of action to be undertaken against shark attacks, the autor draw up a list of methods already used, as well as their respectives advantages and drawbacks. Some are lethal for sharks, such as the use of drum lines or nets. According to the author, the risk of being killed by a shark can be reduced thanks to those methods but they have also as a consequence to kill other non-targeted marine species.

Other methods are more preventive like the aerial monitoring of activity areas, or the use of sonars to detect sharks. However, those techniques are not infallible, and sharks may not be detected, and endanger the users of the sea. Moreover, they are expensive, and they require a lot of equipment and staff.

Some devices emitting a magnetic field could be used as shark repellents but they are not guaranteed to be effective.

Finally, the only truly effective method is to not go in the water in risk areas.