However, if we want to enjoy our beaches and waterways more safely, every method of controlling shark numbers should be open for discussion. Undermining efforts to keep shark numbers under control in recent years was the misguided decision by previous governments in NSW and QLD to gut commercial shark fishing. Exacerbating the fight to control shark numbers in NSW has been the steady tightening of commercial shark tonnage limits. Scientists agree that worldwide shark numbers have been declining, particularly in areas with lax fishing laws and under-resourced policing. As well as the obvious economic benefits associated with a strong commercial shark fishery, a regulated ‘fins-off’ shark fishing sector – properly managed and sustained – would help keep shark numbers at less concentrated levels.