Five great white sharks caught after nets deployed

A 3.2-metre female great white shark was captured in the new Sharpes Beach net. Photo / NSW Department of Primary Industry

Five great white sharks have been caught in northern New South Wales, Australia, two days after controversial shark nets were deployed.

A 3.2m female great white shark was captured in the new Sharpes Beach net on Saturday, the Department of Primary Industries said.

Four smaller sharks ranging in size from 2.37m to 3m were also caught in Smart drumlines at Lennox Head, South Ballina and Evans Head.

All five were captured, tagged and released alive.

They will continue to be tracked as part of the coastal surveillance programme.

The shark nets were deployed on five northern coast beaches on Thursday for a six-month trial following six shark attacks this year on the north and mid-north coasts.

The first 10 of an additional 85 Smart drumlines were also rolled out along the north coast beaches on Thursday.

- AAP