LIfeguards could potentially have a new ally in the fight to reduce shark incidents: drones that can spot when a shark swims nearby, and automatically alert authorities.
Shark nets are controversial, which is why the New South Wales government is investigating a host of other ways to keep humans and sharks apart – some more tried and tested than others.
Ballina, one of the northern NSW beaches that had a deadly shark attack in 2015.
AAP/Dave Hunt
A recent shark licence buy-up in Australia is a great opportunity for fishers and conservation organisations to work together to maintain healthy ecosystems and fisheries.
Mako sharks look fearsome, but they eat fish not people.
Alessandro De Maddalena / shutterstock
Understanding the genetic origins of sharks’ teeth could one day lead to new treatments for humans.
Monitoring white sharks more closely could help to ensure better conservation measures are put in place.
Dr Sara Andreotti (c) www.sharkdivingunlimited.com
South Africa’s white shark population faced a rapid decline in the last generation. More concerning is that their numbers might already be too low to ensure their survival.
An electric field could help avoid getting any closer than this.
Sharkdiver.com/Wikimedia Commons
The best way to guard against shark attacks is to study them, not kill them. Because while the alleged “shark boom” almost certainly not real, the more we know about sharks, the better.
An artist’s impression of the giant shark, megalodon.
Shutterstock/Catmando
Marine Biologist, South African National Parks (SANParks); Honorary Research Associate, South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB), South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity