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Drones to patrol beaches in Australia looking for sharks

Drones to patrol beaches in Australia looking for sharks

3304 days ago

Drones to patrol beaches in Australia looking for sharks

3304 days ago


Drones are to be among the solutions to prevent shark attacks off the Australian coast, the New South Wales (NSW) government has confirmed.

A trial is set to begin on the state’s northern coast that will see drones used to patrols waters close to beaches in search of sharks, feeding back images and co-ordinates to operators.

A Great White Shark
(Kike Valvo/AP)

Australia is notorious for sharks, and the drones are set to be part of a range of measures that also include new barriers and helicopter surveillance.

New “smart” drum lines are also to be used – these will contain sensors that automatically alert officials when a shark is snagged on a baited line, as opposed to having to check each line manually.

Niall Blair, the NSW minister for primary industries, said in a statement: “There is no easy way to reduce risks for swimmers and surfers.

A drone in flight
(Andrew Matthews/PA)

“We are delivering on a commitment to test the best science available, including new technologies, as we try to find a long term-term solution to keep our beaches safe.”

A test of the drones will take place at Coffs Harbour, while the smart drum line will be tried at Ballina, close to where a surfer was killed by a shark in February.


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