Australia saw four fatal shark attacks last year. That’s a lot of shark-related deaths, even for Australia. While the country is known for having the second highest number of shark attacks in the world after the USA, this is an unprecedented figure for a single year.
There has also been a lot of debate recently about safe ways to keep sharks and people apart.
Traditionally, shark nets have been used off the coast of busy beaches to prevent sharks swimming near humans. However, sharks and other marine creatures often end up tangled in these nets and die as a result.
“These buoys could save the lives of dozens of people”
Thankfully, scientists and engineers have been brainstorming to find more eco-friendly ways to keep sharks away from popular swimming beaches and surf spots.
Last month, we heard of the ‘shark puncher‘. Now, the ingenious people over at Optus came up with the ‘Clever Buoy’.
These are buoys that emit sonar to detect when there are sharks in the area. This will send a signal via. satellite to the lifeguards on the beach, informing them when sharks are present. The lifeguards can then clear the water if need be.
They are going to test the Clever Buoy this spring at Bondi Beach in Australia. It will be a totally humane way to deter sharks from swimming beaches and hopefully put an end to culling plans.
What do you think? Is this a good way to keep both sharks and humans protected?
Find out more about Optus’ Clever Buoy on their website.
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