High tech solutions to shark threats to bathers that meet recreation and conservation objectives 

NSW Government Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has announced a $16 Million, 5-year plan trialling high-tech solutions to combat increased shark attacks.

These trial solutions come after the DPI held a community forum in Lennox Head earlier in October to reassure locals that there were steps and funding in progress to ensure their safety and the survival of tourism this summer. These steps do not include culling and are aimed at providing strategies and technologies that cause little to no environmental damage to either sharks or the ocean.

The aim of the Shark Management Strategy is to increase protection for bathers from shark interactions while minimising harm to sharks or other animals. These initiatives have been derived from the Shark Summit in Sydney in September. SEE ALSO: The Great Shark Summit of Sydney

Where is the $16 million being spent? 

– $3.5 million for helicopter surveillance

This is to include unmanned aerial patrols via drone and helicopter fly-overs. The drone imagery will be recorded in real time and passed on the DPI and Lifeguard services. Despite aerial surveillance being proved.

In 2013, the DPI Government report claimed that aerial surveillance was ‘inefficient and expensive’ with only one shark spotted per 100km in a 2012/13 trial period. The surveillance also did not spot any animals within a 33km radius of Dee Why on Sydney’s Northern Beaches where the shark net meshing program is in place. The only difference is that there is a significant increase in shark activity, surface water temperature and a change in marine migration in 2015 that correlates with the attacks compared to 2012/13.

http://www.coastalwatch.com/environment/15014/nsw-government-s-16-million-high-tech-shark-solution