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Public Now Able To Track Tagged Sharks On NSW North Coast

Online map launched to track tagged sharks on NSW North Coast.

Short of shooting the little buggers (hello Fred Pawle!) authorities in New South Wales have unveiled an online map which will allow surfers to monitor the movements of sharks on the north coast.

The region stole the mantle from Western Australia as the “most likely place to get got” after a run of hideous attacks and run-ins with sharks since early this year.

But the newly unveiled online map will enable ocean goers to track the movements of tagged sharks before heading out for a mid morning blast.

However, sharks must also play the game for the whole system to work. You see, a handful of sharks, including some white pointers, have been fitted with externally mounted satellite and surgically inserted acoustic tags.

For them to set off the satellite, the tagged sharks must swim with both tags out of the water for long enough to transmit its position to cyber space.

Similar technology already exists in West Oz, with it’s Shark Smart website providing real time movements of tagged sharks off the coast. It also has the ability to inform surfers, via Facebook or even email if you’re keen, if a big ol’ dead whale happens to wash up on your favourite little beachie, as was the case at Moses Rock on Friday.

Will the ability to monitor shark movements online make you feel any safer?

Craig Ison thinks so. Craig of course hit the headlines after his ghastly encounter with a white pointer at Evans Head early August.

“It’s a step in the right direction for sure,” Craig told Tracks.

“I’m still hoping sonar technology will be available by the time I get back in the water. Something that will deter sharks but not other marine life. It’s pretty damned clear this problem is not going to just be a seasonal thing anymore. The sharks are here to stay.”

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