More than 50 shark sightings have been recorded off the Illawarra since mid-December, according to Aerial Patrol general manager Harry Mitchell.
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The sightings were the most recorded for the December period in many years.
Mr Mitchell attributed the increase to the presence of other marine species along the coast.
"Multiple schools of bait fish were running up and down the coastline over the five-week period, which attracted other forms of marine life. We saw more seals this summer than in any other season previously, which only encouraged more sharks."
Mr Mitchell said the ideal water temperature coupled with the nutrients flowing from estuaries into the ocean, also lured sharks to linger along the coastline.
For University of Wollongong zoologist Professor Andy Davis, the increased shark presence is a positive sign for oceans.
"We should be happy sharks were in the vicinity," he said. "They are the apex predator and ... their presence meant our ecosystem was healthy."