Office of Science Research Grants

Completed Projects

Independently test and improve existing shark deterrents, including the widely known product, Shark Shield. 

Organisation: University of Western Australia, Ocean Institute

Scientists: Professor Shaun Collin and Associate Professor Nathan Hart

Grant: $220,573 over two years

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Develop and test novel deterrents such as bubble curtains, underwater sounds and strobe lights. 

Organisation: University of Western Australia, Ocean Institute

Scientists: Professor Shaun Collin and Associate Professor Nathan Hart

Grant: $222,221 over two years

Develop computer algorithms for real-time, automatic shark detection.

Organisation: University of Western Australia, School of Computer Science and Software Engineering 

Scientists: Winthrop Professor Mohammed Bennamoun

Grant: $203,234 over two years

Develop new surfboard fins with an in-built electronic shark deterrent. 

Organisation: Shark Shield Pty Ltd

Grant: $300,000 over two years

Define the actual visual, electrical and vibrational (sensory) cues that trigger shark attacks. 

Organisation: University of Western Australia

Scientists: Associate Professor Nathan Hart

Grant: $284,620 over two years

Ongoing Research Projects 

Research sonar imaging and detection of sharks. 

Organisation: Curtin University, Centre for Marine Science and Technology

Scientists: Dr Miles Parsons

Grant: $273,468 over three years

Develop systems that mask noises of beachgoers (including swimmers and surfers) that may attract sharks. 

Organisation: Curtin University, Centre for Marine Science and Technology

Scientists: Dr Christine Erbe

Grant: $130,124 over three years

Develop an acoustic system to detect sharks as they approach beaches. 

Organisation: University of Western Australia

Scientists: Shane Chambers

Grant: $252,417 over two years