Forget nets and drum lines: Aussie scientists find that magnets could be used to repel sharks

Humble magnets could be used to replace shark nets after an experimental new study found that they repel sharks and rays.

Protecting people from sharks has been a hot topic in Australia for some time, with control programs in Queensland and mesh nets across more than 50 beaches in New South Wales.

Western Australia’s heated shark debate has been long running, as the region has seen 15 fatal attacks since 2000.

But new research from the University of Newcastle has revealed that sharks and rays are sensitive to magnetic fields due to their sensory organs.

Humble magnets could replace shark nets as an experimental new study has found that they repel sharks and rays

The creatures contain ampullae of Lorenzini – special sensing pores located near the nostrils and around the head, usually used to locate prey.

Researchers from the University of Newcastle have said that this unique ability enabled the sea creatures to sense weak electric fields.

The study, which focuses on the incorporation of magnets into fish traps, found that bycatch – fish or other marine species that is caught unintentionally – has been reduced by more than 30 per cent.

These results could provide positive implications for the conservation of sharks and rays, lead researcher Dr Vincent Raoult said.

Although the sharks and rays are released once being unintentionally caught, being out of the water could have a significant affect on them.

‘The trauma may impact their energy levels and desire to feed, which can be lethal in the short-term.’

Although, not all shark solutions are as easy as attaching magnets to commercial fish traps. 

The push for protection from sharks in Western Australia is strong as the region has twice as many adult white sharks compared to the east, SBS reported.

Federal Environment Minister Josh Frydenberg has been wanting to take stronger action.

Researchers from the University of Newcastle, Dr Vincent Raoult (left), Dr Troy Gaston (middle) and Rhys Richards (right), have said that this unique ability enabled the sea creatures to sense weak electric fields

Researchers from the University of Newcastle, Dr Vincent Raoult (left), Dr Troy Gaston (middle) and Rhys Richards (right), have said that this unique ability enabled the sea creatures to sense weak electric fields

The Western Australian Labor government opposes a cull in favour of its subsidy scheme for personal shark deterrents.

Humane Society International head of campaigns Nicola Beynon said that the culling of sharks is irresponsible.

‘The aim of listing threatened species is not to restore numbers so that one day outdated and ineffective culling techniques and trophy fishing can be reinstated,’ she said.  

Some organisations are looking to the future by pairing artificial intelligence with drone technology in a bid to spot sharks and reduce attacks.

The creatures contain ampullae of Lorenzini - special sensing pores located near the nostrils and around the head, usually used to locate prey

The creatures contain ampullae of Lorenzini – special sensing pores located near the nostrils and around the head, usually used to locate prey

Chief Executive Officer of The Ripper Group told 9News that in 2016, a group of scientists from the University of Technology Sydney came together to create the Sharkspotter.

The artificial intelligence can alert people to incoming sharks, using an algorithm that analyses live drone images and has 80 per cent accuracy.

The revolutionary technology is six times better at spotting sharks in the water than the human eye.



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