The enduring legacy of shark attack victim Mercury ‘Merc’ Psillakis is taking to the skies, with the NSW Government’s funded shark surveillance drones for local boardrider clubs set for take-off with a message to Merc on every drone.
Last December, Surfing NSW received an additional $650,000 investment from the NSW Government as part of the record $30 million Shark Management Program over the 2025/26 summer.
The funding has enabled Surfing NSW to launch an expanded drone shark surveillance program including comprehensive training for a new cohort of volunteer drone pilots.
Beginning with the Northern Beaches, a further 60 drones will be rolled out to 60 unequipped clubs across NSW, and 125 pilots will be trained by the end of winter. This ensures that every board rider club has a drone and trained pilots.
The enhancement package for Surfing NSW is a significant step in honouring Mercury Psillakis, a respected member of Long Reef Boardriders.
Each drone deployed through the expanded program will carry Mercury’s name, ensuring his legacy lives on through a safer future for surfers.
Mercury’s family commented on the roll-out. “We want to sincerely thank Surfing NSW and the NSW Government for this important step forward in shark mitigation and ocean safety,” the family said. “The release of these drones in Mercury’s name is deeply meaningful to us and our family. It is an honour that recognises not only his life, but the love we continue to carry for him every day.”
The drones will support board rider clubs during events and training sessions. Drone operations will run year-round, with trained pilots able to identify high-risk species and monitor activity in real time. In the event of a shark sighting during a club event or training session, in the absence of direction from local beach authorities, activity will be paused with a minimum 30-minute stand-down before resuming if no further sightings occur.
Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said the move will improve shark surveillance on the Beaches. “This comprehensive drones and training program for Surfing NSW ensures every club has a drone and trained pilots, which is a significant contribution to honouring his legacy,” Ms Moriarty said. “This will materially lift community-led coastal surveillance during the White Shark season of winter and spring and heading into next summer.”
As part of the Minns Government’s $30 million Shark Management Program all drone surveillance operations will have any shark sighting or warning uploaded to the SharkSmart app to allow beachgoers to make an informed decision before entering the water.
All water users are encouraged to download the Sharksmart app for near real-time shark activity information and alerts to help stay safe.
