Sonar Technology to Be Used to Detect Sharks in the US
A state-of-the-art sonar system first developed and deployed by Shark Mitigation Systems (SMS) in Australia is now being recommended for use in Southern California, where an increase in the shark population has been observed.
While shark attacks in California are rare (there have been 177 documented shark incidents in California since 1950, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife), the number of shark sightings has been on the rise. Some of the predators on the western U.S. coastline can measure up to 12 feet in length, posing a threat to surfers and beachgoers.
In order to provide an early warning to the relevant authorities managing beach safety, sharks can be detected and tracked using the SMS marine monitoring system utilizes Tritech International Limited Gemini 720is multibeam sonar technology in conjunction with its SharkTec software.
Tritech’s original high-definition sonar imaging software, conventionally used in the subsea oil and gas sector, was adapted by utilizing shark and marine activity data collected by SMS.
A benefit of the marine monitoring system for detecting sharks is that it offers a noninvasive solution. Other shark management strategies often include the use of drumlines, sharknets and tagging systems – all of which are potentially harmful and invasive.
Scott McLay, Tritech’s Sales Director, commented, “Tritech has a strong philosophy of investing in research and development; this ensures we are at the leading edge of underwater technology innovation. The 720is sonar and associated software is just one product of that philosophy, and the Company has more developments planned over the coming months. Additionally, the application of sonar technology in shark mitigation is an exciting development as it opens up additional possibilities of using multibeam sonars in other mammal and fish monitoring scenarios.”