Ten SMART drumlines were deployed today, Monday August 14 as part of the NSW Government’s $16 million Shark Management Strategy, following successful trials of the new technology.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Member for Myall Lakes, Stephen Bromhead said NSW was leading the world with this technology.
SMART drumlines help to protect human life while minimising the impact on marine species, Mr Bromhead said.
“Beaches from Coffs Harbour to Forster were chosen for the SMART drumlines trial in close consultation and discussion with the local council,” Mr Bromhead said.
“This is fantastic news for our region which is home to some of the State’s most beautiful beaches.
“The SMART drumlines trial will protect our swimmers as we move towards a busy summer.”
Community drop-in stand will be held this Saturday, August 19 on the grassland area near the Forster Surf Life Saving Club and in Tuncurry on Sunday, August 20 near the breakwall car park.
This is fantastic news for our region which is home to some of the State’s most beautiful beaches.
- Stephen Bromhead
Both sessions will be held from 9am until 2pm to inform and educate the public about the SMART drumlines trial in this region.
Minister for Primary Industries, Niall Blair said the difference between SMART drumlines and traditional drumlines was the ability to alert operators when a shark is caught.
Once a shark is caught this leads to a rapid response, tagging and relocating the animal alive.
“DPI provides alerts to the community, if a tagged shark comes close to shore, via the network of VR4G listening stations,” Mr Blair said.
The NSW Government is currently deploying 100 SMART drumlines along the NSW North Coast to tag sharks and assist researchers to understand their movements and presence close to shore.
Further information is available at: http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/sharks/management
