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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.
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.
“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.
