The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has called on the world’s best minds to develop innovative projects to help protect beachgoers from shark attacks.
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The Shark Management Strategy Grants Program invites technology developers, researchers, organisations, educational institutions, businesses and individuals to apply for funding for a range of technologies, in particular personal protective devices.
DPI Director of Fisheries Research, Dr Natalie Moltschaniwskyj, said this is the second round of $200,000, which is available to support projects that reduce the risk of shark interactions and minimise the impact on other marine life.
“We already lead the world when it comes to shark management and this will only ensure we continue to do so with both national and international applicants encouraged to apply,” Dr Moltschaniwskyj said.
“We have more data and research on sharks than we’ve ever had and I look forward to seeing what other ideas can be brought to life.”
Key areas for funding which align with the NSW Shark Management Strategy are:
- Personal shark deterrents such as protective wetsuits, small electrical and magnetic devices and area-based shark deterrents.
- Shark detection methods such as sonar technologies and shark recognition software.
- Shark biology relevant to interactions with humans like sensory systems.
- Socio-economics of shark-human interactions for example how changes in human behaviour and perceptions following the implementation of particular approaches.
Joint applications are encouraged and proposed projects should be one year in duration.
To apply for a grant, applicants will first need to complete an Expression of Interest (EOI) form.
