Stock image.
Camera IconStock image. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

New solar-powered shark alarms to be trialled in Gracetown

Staff WriterMandurah Coastal Times

THE State Government has announced a new SMART drumline shark attack prevention trial off Gracetown.

Nine shark alarms will be installed adjacent to main surf breaks in the SMART drumline trial area, to alert beachgoers when the beach is to be closed due to a shark in the area.

The alarms use lights, sirens and audio broadcasts to inform beachgoers about beach closures.

PerthNow Digital Edition.
Your local paper, whenever you want it.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

The new alarms will be installed this week at surf breaks – Gallows, Guillotines, Cobblestones, The Womb, Ellensbrook, South Point and North Point – and two alarms will be installed at Lefthanders.

“The new solar-powered alarms can be triggered remotely, making the local alert process faster and informing those already in the water,” Fisheries Minister Dave Kelly said.

“The SMART drumline technology is satellite-linked and when the non-lethal drumlines are activated, a message is sent to activate the relevant Spectur alarm.

“These new alarms will also alert beachgoers to any shark sightings and tagged shark detections from the three local Shark Monitoring Network receivers in the SMART drumline area.

“Throughout the SMART drumline trial we encourage water users to use their Sea Sense – if surfing or diving, consider using a scientifically proven personal shark deterrent.”

For more information, visit http://www.sharksmart.com.au