Shark detection technology trial off Sydney

Media Release

Niall Blair
Minister for Primary Industries
Minister for Lands and Water

15. February 2016

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Minister for Primary Industries Niall Blair has announced that a trial of the ‘Clever Buoy’ program has been deployed off Bondi Beach today.

“This is a pre-commercial trial of new technology to detect sharks in Sydney – the testing of this sonar technology is a critically important part of the NSW Government’s $16 million Shark Management Strategy to reduce the risk of shark attacks on the state’s beaches,” Mr Blair said

“When it comes to detecting sharks – sonar technology is the Holy Grail and the NSW Government is determined to do what it can to support getting new technologies, like Clever Buoy, off the ground.”

Richard Talmage of Shark Mitigation Systems Ltd, the developer of Clever Buoy, said the smart ocean buoy uses new sonar technology with tailored software to detect shark-sized objects in coastal waters.

“The Clever Buoy identifies large swimming objects, like sharks, and sends real-time valuable information to lifeguards on the beach,” Mr Talmage said.

“The unit will be deployed approximately 500 metres offshore and will be trialed for an extended period to further test and confirm the system’s capabilities and information flow to Bondi lifeguards for dangerous sharks.”

As part of the NSW Government’s $16 million shark strategy, the roll out of eight VR4G listening stations will begin with the deployment of the units on the north and mid north coasts to commence this week.

They will be deployed off Coffs Harbour, Yamba and South West Rocks, Lennox Head, Kingscliff, Evans Head, Port Macquarie and Forster.

Two are already situated off Sharpes Beach and Lighthouse Beach on the North Coast.

An additional 10 listening will be deployed south of Forster at a later date.

Source: Government of NSW