Experts say they're not surprised the temporary installation of drum lines failed to prevent a third shark attack in the Whitsundays, arguing that the real answer lies in changing human behaviour.

A 33-year-old Victorian man died from critical wrist and leg injuries yesterday, after being mauled by a shark while swimming in Cid Harbour in the Whitsundays.

The attack was the third this year for the area, which locals say is known for shark activity.

Temporary drumlines were installed earlier this year, catching six sharks, but were then removed after a week. At the time, Queensland Fisheries could not confirm the sharks killed were responsible for the attacks.

Whitsundays MP Jason Costigan says more permanent measures are now needed.

Queensland locals protest against drumlines Following two shark attacks in the Whitsundays.

"We need permanent drumlines and shark nets on the Whitsundays and on Queensland beaches," Mr Costigan told Hack.

"I don't want to see anyone else eaten by sharks in the Whitsundays."

Mr Costigan wants drumlines in the water to better protect swimmers, and said the Queensland Government should be looking at the issue.

"You wouldn't swim in croc-infested waters"

Experts and locals agree that there needs to be change in the way we view sharks, and better warnings against swimming in known shark areas.

Opponents to drumlines and shark nets believe the measures are a knee-jerk reaction after any shark attack. Associate Professor Culum Brown, a shark behaviour expert from Macquarie University, agrees.

He says sharks are everywhere, all the time, and it's better to manage human behaviour rather than cull sharks.

You just don't swim in shark-infested waters. You wouldn't swim in croc-infested waters," he told Hack.

"Every time you get in the water, there's a remote chance you'll get bitten. But sharks aren't out to get people."

The attacks in September were just 24 hours apart, so to drop drumlines in the water was the "obvious thing to do", Culum said.

But managing human behaviour and expectations about swimming in waters known to be shark hotspots would be a better safety measure.

"Scientists know drumlines don't work. The idea is it looks like the Government are achieving something. But you're not reducing risks by removing sharks," Culum said.

"The community is catching on that it's not an appropriate response.

If sharks aren't safe on the Great Barrier Reef, where are they safe?"

Culum was more receptive to smart drumlines, which allow scientists to capture sharks alive and tag them.

"We need to put out more tags to get a better idea of the area sharks are in."

Do not swim in Cid Harbour

The Queensland Government have said they won't be installing drumlines in Cid Harbour following this attack, but they will move to install signs in the area by the weekend.

Tourism Minister Kate Jones acknowledged the community didn't want to see drumlines deployed.

"Neither the local mayor, Andrew Willcox, marine authorities nor local tourism operators want to see drumlines redeployed," she said.

"They want reinforced messaging and that's what we are doing. Water police are on the harbour re-enforcing that message again today."

In the meantime, Queensland Fisheries Minister Mark Furner said no one should swim in Cid Harbour at any time.

"We can't be clearer - don't swim in Cid Harbour," he said in a statement.

"Drumlines or not, no one should swim in Cid Harbour."