NSW Department of Primary Industries deputy director general fisheries Dr Geoff Allan said it was a fantastic result for the Bega Valley community, as the trial would help guide future shark management options on the South Coast while having a minimal impact on the local marine ecosystem.

“We’re delighted that this eight-week trial is set to begin soon, as results from trials in other parts of the state show that SMART drumlines are successful in catching target sharks, which can then be tagged and released along with any non-target animals," he said. 

“The DPI will use the trial as an opportunity to further inform the community about how the technology can operate in their backyard.”

During the trial period, 10 drumlines will be set at Tathra and another 10 be set at Pambula-Merimbula beaches each morning then retrieved later in the day, depending weather conditions.

A DPI spokesperson said the drumlines would be deployed and checked by an experienced team of contractors and/or DPI researchers based at the beaches. 

"Contractors are given up to 30 minutes to respond and be at the SMART drumline. On average it takes around 17minutes," they said. 

"An alert will be made available through the SharkSmart app and Twitter @NSWSharkSmart when the shark is released.

"This trial will help determine what role SMART drumlines can play in shark mitigation and research in these areas.

"The results of the trial will be shared with Bega Valley Shire Council and the community." 

The trial has been planned to complement other shark mitigation trials in the region.

These include drone aerial surveillance with Surf Life Saving NSW at Pambula and Tathra beaches and helicopter aerial surveillance during the summer and autumn school holidays.

Also, there is the Merimbula Beach VR4G shark listening station, which sends an alert to the SharkSmart app and Twitter @NSWSharkSmart when a tagged shark swims within 500metres of the unit.