Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences

Australia is to begin trialling some of the world’s most advanced shark deterrent technologies in the next few months in an effort to curb a rise in attacks that threaten its beach tourism industry.

After nine deaths in two years, authorities in New South Wales on Tuesday outlined plans to test electronic repellents, plastic shields, sonar and other technologies to detect or repel sharks

Business is also tapping into global interest in shark deterrents, which has been heightened by a spate of recent attacks in the US and elsewhere.

Scientists say the rise in attacks may be linked to the growing popularity of surfing and other watersports, bait fish moving closer to shore or a recovery in large species such as Great White sharks following conservation efforts.

“We are seeing a lot of interest in our products from divers and spear fishermen due to these attacks,” said Lindsay Lyon, managing director of Shark Shield, a company based in Perth, Western Australia.

Shark Shield has developed a device that emits an electrical field that disturbs the gel-filled sacs in sharks’ snouts, causing them to spasm. Divers, swimmers or surfers attach the 1.8m long antenna-like device to their ankle to create a field measuring several feet.

Tests by researchers at the University of Western Australia found the shield had a “significant effect” in deterring sharks, including Tiger and Great White sharks. But they said further testing is needed to be confident about species-specific effects of the device.

Uptake of Shark Shield has been limited so far due to the bulky nature of the product. But the company has signed a deal with surfing equipment company Oceans & Earth to embed the device within boards, which may increase its popularity.

www.ft.com