Sharknets and Drumlines
Gecko does not support the use of shark nets because of the unnecessary suffering to by-catch, (dolphins, turtles, whales and other marine species) becoming caught in the nets. Gecko hopes that the state government will invest funding in looking at non-lethal methods of protecting surfers and bathers from shark attacks. At present, there is not enough knowledge of the effects of severely reducing the numbers of sharks by killing them by the drum-line method, which involves a baited hook on the end of a line attached to a floating drum. Sharks also have a place in the marine ecology.
Shark Deterrent by Irene Wareing
An Australian company located in Adelaide , in partnership with a South African company, has developed a product designed to repel sharks.
At present this system creates an electrical field around the user or on fishing nets through the use of rechargeable batteries. It causes intense discomfort to the shark by creating muscular spasms, making the shark swim quickly away from the site, but otherwise causes no harmful side-effects to the shark and, apparently, no other marine life is affected by the product.
In the past, Gecko has voiced its concerns over the use of shark nets and drum lines, and would like to see the use of non-lethal methods as a way of repelling sharks and saving by-catch.
Future research and development may lead to the design of an electrical system with less dependence on batteries for its operation.
At least it’s a step in the right direction, and companies taking the initiative to manufacture sustainable products should be commended and deserve to do well.