Shark deterrent technologies discussed at meeting of world experts in Sydney

Following an unprecedented series of shark attacks on swimmers, Australian shark experts will test cutting-edge technology, including electrical barriers powered by wave energy, to stop the menace.

Despite that, shark sightings remain a regular occurance on Northern Rivers beaches and Ballina Mayor David Wright has told Fairfax swimmers and surfers were being told to clear the water nearly daily.

A Japanese surfer died in Fe bruary after his legs were torn off by a shark but there have been other serious attacks up and down the more than 2,000-kilo metre-long (1,243-mile) NSW co ast.

“The shark experts themselves have been up here and they’ve never seen an aggregation of bait fish, shark, whales and dolphins in their experience”.

But NSW Premier Mike Baird says he will do “everything possible” to have trials underway within months.

Primary Industries Minister Niall Blair has ruled out a wholesale cull of great white sharks, which are protected under NSW law.

“The world’s best scientists will be in Sydney this week to discuss a number of new technologies to be trialled in NSW waters, which will inform advice to the NSW government on additional measures”.

Among the technologies under consideration are an electronic repellent system, which uses a magnetic field to keep sharks away from shore, and the “Clever Buoy”, which uses sonar to identify sharks and alerts lifeguards via text message.

However, Mr Baird said he would prefer deterrents that do not require nets.

The summit is taking place as a new study reveals that there is little public support in the north of New South Wales for killing sharks as a method to reduce shark attacks in the area.

Marine biologist Daryl McPhee of Bond University, who helped the state government compile a preliminary list of options, said the recent innovations had increased researchers’ understanding of shark behaviour.

“A majority of Ballina residents want the government to educate the public about human-shark encounters, invest in non-lethal technology and back more research into human-shark encounters”, Sky News quoted Head of the research study Dr Christopher Neff as saying.

More than 70 shark experts from Australia and around the world will be attending the summit, including delegates from South Africa and Hawaii.