A new shark deterrent technology has been developed at the University of Wollongong (UOW) to protect surfers from potential attacks.
The technology has found that embedding surfboard fins with ampullae of Lorenzini in gel-filled tubules disrupts the electroreceptors in sharks, preventing possible attacks.
UOW professor and leader of Surf Flex Lab Marc in het Panhuis said the technology is non-harmful to sharks in an interview on Sunrise.
“The field that we are hoping to emit with this … is one to five metres,” Prof. in het Panhuis said.
“[The technology] will scare the sharks off that are coming to have a look out of curiosity.”
sourced from UOW media
Local lifeguard and surfer Tom Feneley said it the technology could be a beneficial intervention in building a safe environment for all.
“I think it’s got some real potential, and it’s a positive because it has a non-lethal approach to shark mitigation,” Mr Feneley said.
