Clever Buoy project to deter sharks and keep beaches safe

Interest in the Clever Buoy project, which uses sonar technology to detect shark-sized objects in coastal areas before relaying the signal to lifeguards, is growing among Governments and marine safety organisations.

Developed by Western Australia-based Shark Attack Mitigation Systems (SAMS), research and development of the beach-based shark detection system has been backed by Optus and Google.

Using sonar technology to detect shark-sized objects in coastal areas, Clever Buoy’s non-invasive technology relays a signal via the Optus Network to lifeguards on the beach when a detection is made.

The NSW Government is currently considering a trial of the technology at NSW beaches.

In 2013, SAMS released shark deterrent design technology that can be applied to wetsuits to reduce the chance of shark attack. The patented designs can also be applied to stickers for surfboards, dive tanks, kayaks and other watersport products.

SAMS collaborated with the Oceans Institute at the University of Western Australia to find a practical solution for shark protection.

The Oceans Institute team headed by Professor Shaun Collin and Professor Nathan Hart has been studying shark vision for a number of years and is considered the world leading authority in the field.

The team has made a number of significant scientific discoveries relating to shark sensory systems - including the fact that sharks see in black and white.

For more information go to www.cleverbuoy.com.au

Main image courtesy of Sydney Institute of Marine Science.

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