Shark experts are to test cutting-edge technology – including electrical barriers powered by wave energy – following a series of attacks on swimmers off eastern Australia.
One man has been killed and there have been at least another 12 serious attacks on the 2,000km coast of New South Wales so far this year, compared to three in 2014.
Researchers from around the world gathered in Sydney yesterday at a meeting organised in part to address community fears.
‘What we’ve seen is pretty unprecedented,’ New South Wales state premier Mike Baird told the conference.
He said his government hoped to test some of the recommended technologies during the coming summer.
Baird – an avid surfer – has ruled out culling sharks. Deterrent technologies to be reviewed include the wave powered barriers, as well as personal devices that surfers can wear. – Daily Mail