. >> reporter: on the morning of july 31, just 20 meters from shore, former boxer craig eison was mauled by a shark. he managed to fight back. >> i went whack, whack, whack. >> and it worked. >> for ten seconds he was latched on. >> he lost so much blood, he almost died. he spent all of august in hospital. full recovery would take years. >> i wouldn't go back in the water, no way. i'm not going in there until i know ritz safe. >> there is fear along the coast of australia. the short stretch has seen 14 people attacked by sharks, two died. >> it's like jaws. there is a lot of fear. surfers are reruck ontario to go in the water. >> it could be this year ease'sl ninÒ is attracting shark. after a ban on hunting, more sharks are reaching maturity than before. what can be done to protect surfers and swimmers? that question provoked fierce debate. some say nothing. the ocean is the shark's territory, people have to accept the degree of risk. >> i have enjoyed the fact that the crowds have come down. you can surf with a couple of mates. it was unheard of once upon a time. >> reporter: but many w