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NSW Drones Patrol Waters for Sharks
28 Jun
Summary
- Year-round drone surveillance will protect beachgoers from shark attacks.
- NSW government invests $34 million more in shark protection technology.
- AI systems will automatically detect sharks over summer trials.
New South Wales is significantly upgrading its shark protection measures with a comprehensive year-round drone surveillance program. This initiative aims to enhance beach safety for swimmers and follows a recent shark attack on Leah Stewart.
The state government is boosting its investment by an additional $34 million, reaching a total of $120 million over two years. This funding will expand drone coverage across approximately 70 beaches along the NSW coast, including at least one in every coastal local government area.
Over the upcoming summer, two new artificial intelligence systems will be trialed. These advanced systems are designed to automatically detect sharks, complementing the ongoing drone patrols. Regulatory approvals are being pursued to enable more autonomous drone operations.
Premier Chris Minns stated that while white sharks, a protected species, will not be culled, the government is considering a cull of bull sharks, of which they believe there are large numbers in Sydney Harbour. An audit of bull shark numbers in Sydney Harbour is planned.
The enhanced program aims to mitigate risks and encourage people to return to the beaches and the ocean, acknowledging a recent reduction in water usage.
