On Tuesday the South African government announced it will be installing the world's first shark-repellent electromagnetic cable to protect swimmers along the end of the Busselton Jetty, a shark attack hot spot in Western Australia.
The South African Sharks Board chose Western Australia ahead of other locations because of its recent history of shark attacks, withThis puts Western Australia second behind the U.S. — at 32 confirmed cases and one fatality — for the number of recorded shark attacks in 2018. Yet unless these alternatives can be proved 100% effective, some local officials are not convinced that tech is the answer. In fact, according to Sears, implementing technology could create a "false sense of security for the public."
"Generally, most white shark bite victims survive because of first aid initiated by bystanders. We have a lot of remote beaches in Orleans, and it's unlikely that if someone is suffering from massive hemorrhaging associated with a white shark that our first responders will be able to get there in time," Sears said.
The Ocean Guardian Freedom + Surf Mini device attaches to a surfboard to ward off sharks. Its Shark Shield technology produces a powerful three-dimensional electrical field that causes safe but unbearable spasms in the sensitive receptors of a shark's snout, making them turn away."Our sales have increased 100% over last year," said Wilson, adding that the Freedom7, which sells for $499, is its most popular product.
Was sailing in cape cod bay in 1970s in a 32ft sloop. Shark came alongside in the doldrums that was nearly half our length. Awesome sight. My understanding is that there are very few ichthyologists that are also surfers. They know too much to be splashing about like that.
Ban sharks!
If you want 100% success rate of avoiding a shark bite, stay out of the water. I emphasize with wanting to enjoy the ocean but it’s comes with an innate risk.
Mother Nature never backfires does she?
human impact on their prey and food cycle