A modern fleet of shark-spotting drones will soon be patrolling 34 beaches along the NSW coastline.
Announced by the Minister for Agriculture, Adam Marshall the new approach to shark management is based on five years of scientific research into shark behaviour and the most effective ways to protect beachgoers.
“Our world-leading research showed SMART (Shark-Management-Alert-in-Real-Time) Drumlines and drones are the most effective detection and surveillance tools, which is why the NSW Government will deploy new drones at 34 beaches across the State and maintain SMART drumlines in high-risk locations,” Mr Marshall said.
“Drone technology has advanced dramatically in recent years, with the devices now able to fly thousands of kilometres, automatically detect the size and species of a shark as well as provide surf lifesaving assistance to distressed swimmers,” he said.
“Under the new program we will continue to deploy 35 SMART Drumlines along the north coast, which will provide ongoing protection to beachgoers and advance what is currently the largest shark tagging program in the world.”
Mr Marshall said the new measures would be complemented by 21 shark detection stations along the coast as well as ongoing shark meshing at 51 beaches between Newcastle and Wollongong.
Results of the State’s Shark Management Strategy can be accessed on the SharkSmart website at this PS News link.
