Baiting and killing sharks after two life-threatening attacks in the Whitsundays gives swimmers a false sense of security and won't prevent more attacks, environmentalists say.

Fisheries Queensland dropped baited hooks into the waters where Justine Barwick, 46, from Tasmania, and Hannah Papps, 12, from Melbourne, were bitten less than 24 hours apart last week.

Justine Barwick (top right) and Hannah Papps were both attacked by sharks after Whitsunday Island attacks.

Sea Shepherd Australia and Humane Society International said human safety was paramount but killing four tiger sharks in Cid Harbour in response to the attacks was not the answer.

"Public support for these shark control methods is dropping off," HSI marine campaigner Lawrence Chlebeck said.