Ocean Sentinels: Buoys Tag Great Whites Off Australia

Along Australia's eastern coast, hundreds of satellite-linked buoys form a sophisticated shark monitoring network. These "smart drumlines" are baited daily, and when a shark takes the bait, an alert is sent to a tagging team. This rapid response allows for the measurement and tagging of dangerous species like great whites, bull sharks, and tiger sharks.

The tagged sharks are then tracked as they swim past listening stations along the coastline. This data is immediately sent to the SharkSmart app, notifying beachgoers, surfers, and fishers in real time. This technology is part of a multi-layered approach to marine safety, complementing other methods.

This initiative comes as fatal shark attacks in Australia have seen an increase. Scientists suggest this rise may be linked to more people using the water and changing shark migration patterns due to rising ocean temperatures. The program aims to enhance safety while also gathering crucial data on shark behavior.