Department of Primary Industries shark scientist Vic Peddemors confirmed yesterday a shark net was in place at the beach when the attack occurred on Wednesday, but could not say whether it was near the section of beach where surfer Glen ‘‘Lenny’’ Folkard was dragged from his board.

Read the Newcastle Herald's opinion about sharks and surfers here.

An aerial surveillance flight had also been conducted between 10am and 2pm along the coast before the late-afternoon attack, he said. ‘‘There was nothing major that was seen that I am aware of,’’ Dr Peddemors said.

The nets are 150metres long and six metres deep and in place along 51 NSW beaches between September and April, at a cost of about $1.3 million a year.

They are usually positioned near surf clubs and patrolled swimming areas, but are moved around based on sea and wind conditions.

NSW Greens MP Cate Faehrmann said the nets killed turtles, dolphins, rays and other species and should be removed.

The attack was traumatic, but most swimmers were aware the risk of an attack was ‘‘minuscule’’, she said.

‘‘Shark nets are little more than psychological comfort to swimmers and don’t prevent attacks,’’ she said.

The nets were introduced in 1937, with only one fatal attack since on a netted beach.

A 2009 government report estimated at least 16,064 animals were caught in the meshing between January 1950 and 2007-08. In 2009-10, the recorded figure was 120.

Dr Peddemors said the nets were not intended to form a barrier, but to prevent tiger and bull sharks from establishing territories.

He said nets were checked every three days so increasingly more animals were freed alive.