Australian gov't to research shark movements following increasing attacks

The New South Wales government has opted to turn to science in the face of an "alarming" jump in shark sightings along the east coast of Australia, ruling out recent calls for a cull of protected great white sharks.

"We won't be culling great white sharks, but part of the research program (involves) tagging on the north coast so that we can better inform the public about the movement of those sharks, and better understand their behavior," Minister for Primary Industries Niall Blair told reporters on Friday.

In February, a Japanese surfer was mauled to death in Ballina on the NSW far north coast.

In the months since, 11 others have been attacked, including two attacks in July whose victims remain in hospital.

"This is what we have been asking for; the experts are going to come up and assist and then make a decision on what to do," Ballina Shire Mayor David Wright said.

Australian authorities are concerned about reports of surfers potentially forming vigilante groups to cull the growing number of sharks spotted along Australia's east coast.

These plans have caused significant public outcry.

Authorities are reportedly monitoring seven great white sharks - believed to be between three to five meters in length - that are regularly stalking the notorious northern NSW coastline. Endi