Sharks and Drones

Drones Search for Sharks

     In Australia, authority's are using drones to search for sharks and help swimmers that are threatened by them. This week a trial program was started that is camera-equipped drones patrolling the coast line of New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Last year there were 14 shark attacks there, only one death, and the states authorities there want technology to prevent future shark attacks.

One of the trial drones

     "Little Ripper" is the name of the Vapor 55 drone that is being trialed and the trial costs $180,000. The Little Ripper has a high definition camera that can send its footage straight to computers while it is flying. It also has a rescue pod to drop down to people in an emergency. The pod includes shark repellant, medical equipment, and a three person raft. This drone can stay flying for up to 150 minutes and researchers are even working on a way to allow this drone to identify what kind of shark it sees.

     Brian Hartzer, chief executive of Westpac, is funding the trial. He says that there are 17 trial drones that he hopes people will like and if they do, then 40 more drones will be deployed.