Sydney’s new shark surveillance drones are facing growing scrutiny after a terrifying close call at Curl Curl Beach, but an expert has said the technology is being burdened by unrealistic expectations. WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Drone surveillance questioned after close shark encounterKnow the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today ArrowThe shark alarm finally activated more than an hour after the encounter, prompting questions over the effectiveness of the state’s new drone surveillance program. The chance encounter at Curl Curl has raised concerns about the system but University of Sydney Associate Professor Chris Pepin-Neff said Australians need to reset their expectations. “They’re scared that if there’s a drone in the air and there’s a shark bite that they’re going to get blamed,” they said. Despite the challenges, Pepin-Neff said shark surveillance technology would continue to improve, with AI-powered unmanned drones expected to play a major role in the future.