Is flying a shark drone a boring job? Possibly
Taha Kafil-Hussain flies a drone above Coogee beach. Mostly he zooms in on seaweed or turtles – but occasionally he spots a shark and clears the water
TL;DR
- Surf Life Saving NSW is using drones for shark surveillance on 70 beaches, including 38 in Sydney, with year-round dawn-to-dusk coverage.
- The program was expanded following a high-profile shark attack, leading to a $34 million government initiative.
- Drone operators scan the water for sharks and other marine life, with the ability to alert swimmers directly.
- Experts acknowledge drones as a valuable tool but caution against viewing them as a foolproof solution, highlighting limitations like visibility on windy days.
- Other shark mitigation strategies like SMART drum lines are supported, while shark nets and culling are deemed ineffective.
- The initiative aims to increase beach safety and restore public confidence, especially ahead of the busy summer season.