Concern over increasing numbers makes it critical to gain public support about crocodiles. This only works if proper controls are in place, otherwise illegal trade may be stimulated. Safety Crocs attract tourists to areas in which they occur, but they can also be dangerous. Safety measures include no swimming, no cleaning of fish on river banks, nor tethering dogs close to the water. Nesting areas should also be avoided.
Most attacks occur in the wet season, when salties do most of their feeding and growing.
Despite notions to the contrary, they don't really bother small fishing vessels. In Darwin, crocs outside the harbour area are protected, but those reported within it are either shot or moved to farms as part of the problem crocodile management programme. Fatalities are very uncommon - there have been only 7 deaths in 27 years of protection in the Northern Territory, and 14 throughout Australia. In most cases, the victim was swimming. In virtually all cases, death could have been avoided with correct education.