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Science & Research

The Western Australian Government's shark mitigation strategy has a strong evidence based focus, backed by science. The Government has supported a variety of research projects and initiatives to enhance our understanding of shark biology and ecology to better inform our government policies. 

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Clever Buoy Trial

Clever Buoy Trial

21 December 2016

The Western Australian Government has provided up to $500,000 in operational costs to support a Clever Buoy trial at City Beach, in the Town of Cambridge. The trial was conducted from December 2016 to 31 March 2017.

Clever Buoy is a near shore shark detection and notification system developed by Western Australian company Shark Mitigation Systems.

The system is designed to detect sharks using sonar technology and identification software to relay information to lifesavers. 

The system was located within 300 metres of the shore and configured to notify responders of any shark, two metres or greater in length.   

Detection information was integrated into our existing communication platforms including the SharkSmart activity map and Surf Life Saving WA twitter feed.

City Beach was chosen for the trial as the two groynes provide an ideal geographical site and the popular beach is patrolled daily by SLSWA.

Six sonar transducers were placed on the sea floor between the groynes at City Beach. Each transducer had a detection range of up to 80 metres. Two solar-powered surface buoys provided power and communication functionalities.

The trial was designed to provide further information on how effective the system is in local conditions, its ability to be integrated into existing operations and whether it is suitable for deployment at other potential sites in Western Australia.

 

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