Barry Bruce from CSIRO Marine Research has conducted extensive research on White Sharks in the area and believes the presence of these creatures is no reason to fear an attack.

"In general, the sharks appear to take little interest in surfers or swimmers in these areas," Mr Bruce said.

Mr Bruce said that the coastal waters off Port Stephens are a seasonal nursery area for white sharks.

This nursery covers three beaches including Stockton Beach, Bennetts Beach and Mungo Brush.

The size range for the sharks is typically between 1.8 metres to 2.6 metres and their presence is most common during the period from spring to early summer.

According to Mr Bruce sharks are relatively common in the surf zone along Bennett's Beach.

"Sharks that we have tracked along this beach have used the entire beach area, but have consistently spent most of their time towards the southern end of the beach," he said.

"Specifically in the area extending a three kilometres north of Yacaaba head."

If surfers of swimmers see one of these sharks Mr Bruce advises them not panic with the view that they are under immediate threat but to leave the water as a precaution until the shark swims away.

He believes the increase in shark sightings may well be attributed to the way information can now be rapidly distributed via social media and online news websites.