by Marie Kauna – EMTV Online, Port Moresby
Statistics show that there have been a total of 13 unprovoked sharks attacks in the state of New South Wales this year alone, prompting an increase in fear amongst those who brave the salt water.
While this fear continues, the Minister for Primary Industries has formally announced a world’s first A$16 million shark strategy to protect those in fear of being attacked by sharks, and create a safe environment for recreational use.
The NSW government is deploying drones, sonar and helicopters in the hope of detecting and monitoring sharks to ensure the safety of beachgoers this summer.
Apart from this, shark tagging projects will use the SharkSmart mobile app, to make viewing of tagged sharks easier.
Minister for Primary Industries, Niall Blair, said “this is a historic moment…we’ve utilised a range of technologies to reduce the risk for our beachgoers”.
Scientists are leading the shark detecting strategy and the government has emphasised the main motive behind developing this strategy is to address concerns while respecting the advice of scientists and environmentalists.
NSW Premier, Mike Baird, at an inaugural shark summit in September, said “there are a number of incredibly promising and helpful technologies that could make a real difference”.
The move taken by the government will help save these growing fears amongst many beachgoers.
