State Government funds research into shark-repelling surfboards.

by: KAITLYN OFFER
From: PerthNow
December 31, 2013 9:41AM

AN attempt to create surfboard fins that have shark repellent qualities has been awarded $300,000 over two years under the State Government's in its bid to reduce shark attacks.

The project was announced in the second round of funding for research under the Shark Mitigation Strategy. WA Company Shark Shield will receive the $300,000 to develop new surfboard fins with in-built electronic shark deterrent. The plan is to create fins that can be retrofitted to modern surfboards.

A project managed by Dr Christine Erbe at Curtin University's Centre for Marine Science and Technology would also receive $130,124 over three years to develop systems that mask those noises of beachgoers, including swimmers and surfers, that attract sharks.

Premier Colin Barnett said the University of Western Australia will receive funding for two projects. A project led by Shane Chambers will get $252,417 to develop an acoustic system to detect sharks as they approach beaches.

Associate Professor Nathan Hart will lead a $284,620 project to define the actual visual, electrical and vibrational cues that trigger shark attacks. This work will allow the design of shark deterrents based on knowledge of what causes shark attacks. Last year Prof Hart received $222,221 in the first round of funding to explore bubble curtains, strobe lighting and sub aquatic sounds.


www.perthnow.com.au/news/wa/state-government-funds-research-into-shark-repelling-surfboards-ng-8f3d69b52bb8527a4f579047a11f1755


Damn. . . . . .Why Didn't I think Of That ? ? ?

Oh well,.. I suppose it can be considered as just half a million donated to charity.
I can't see any of the products or outcomes of any of this being used to the extent that it will make any difference.
But at least it will make all the 'save the sharks' brigade happy for a day,.. maybe.

Rupert said..
Associate Professor Nathan Hart will lead a $284,620 project to define the actual visual, electrical and vibrational cues that trigger shark attacks. This work will allow the design of shark deterrents based on knowledge of what causes shark attacks. Last year Prof Hart received $222,221 in the first round of funding to explore bubble curtains, strobe lighting and sub aquatic sounds.

This is the bit I found puzzling,

Last Year the 'Good Professor' took $221,221.00 to explore "bubble curtains, strobe lighting and sub aquatic sounds".

This Year he willingly accepts $284,620.00 "to define the actual visual, electrical and vibrational cues that trigger shark attacks".

I would have thought he would have had to understand what were "the actual visual, electrical and vibrational cues that trigger shark attacks" prior to spending >200K on "bubble curtains, strobe lighting and sub aquatic sounds", just in case "bubble curtains, strobe lighting and sub aquatic sounds" were "the actual visual, electrical and vibrational cues that trigger shark attacks" or acted as an attraction device and elicited a feeding response in large pelagic sharks.

Just a thought....... cos we all know not all sharks are cute and cuddly.

youngbull said..

pweedas said..



Oh well,.. I suppose it can be considered as just half a million donated to charity.

I can't see any of the products or outcomes of any of this being used to the extent that it will make any difference.

But at least it will make all the 'save the sharks' brigade happy for a day,.. maybe.

Winge winge. At least its something!

"Something" would be stopping the protection of GWS
Something woudl be extending aerial patrols to where the attacks really happen (down south at 06:00am,, seen a plane lately???) instead of buzzing Perth beaches so as to be seen to be helping.

Shark shields work well..... all this is, is the Govt giving a free kick to a company to develop a smaller version in fins or similar.
If I have a company and want to make somethign that may save lives will the Govt give me a huge grant?

No, it is populist vote grab crap.

Harrow said..

Rupert said..

Associate Professor Nathan Hart will lead a $284,620 project...

Glad he got that last $20, I'm sure it will make all the difference.

That's for the top coat on the finished product.
They were just going to give it a primer and a splash of Killrust, but the $600 gives it a nice colour co-ordinated paint job.
But then for an extra $20 you can have a spiffy clear gloss topcoat over the whole kit and kaboodle to make it look like $248,000 worth.
So all that adds up to $248,620.00 ,,,.. in cash thanks. No cheques.

Underoath said..

Money could be better spent!

Thats been part of my argument from the start