A NSW shark net trial to remove three nets this summer has now been halted, NSW Premier Chris Minns has confirmed.

Nets were installed on Monday at 51 beaches between Newcastle and Wollongong.

In an effort to enhance shark safety, the NSW government invests $21.5 million annually on the installation of mesh nets along various beaches up and down the coast every summer, alongside the use of drumlines, drones for surveillance, and listening stations.

Northern Beaches Police Area Commander John Duncan yesterday said the attack was a “freak incident that happens very, very rarely”.

There has not been a fatal shark attack on a netted NSW beach since 1951.

The exact species of shark which attacked Psillakis remains unknown, however a great white was detected by drumlines prior to the incident.

Following the incident, beaches across Sydney’s northern region remain closed as Dee Why Surf Life Saving Club members conduct water patrols and monitor the area using drones.

President of the Surf Life Saving – Sydney Northern Beaches Rob McGibbon said Dee Why wold remain closed for up to 72 hours.

The attack took place south of the lagoon at Long Reef, a section of the popular beach which is netted.

“We have to co-exist, and we have the technology,” she said.