After Shark Attacks Is Killing Sharks Only Option?

Aug. 17, 2012 - PRLog -- Perth, Australia: After shark attacks, debate continues to rage about removing great white sharks from protection in both Western Australia and worldwide. Three shark attacks in the last week, and five fatal in less than 10 months in Western Australian, have the diving, surfing, and kayaking communities reeling. For more on the string of shark attacks, see http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2012/07/shark-kills-australian-surfer-fifth-attack-victim-in-10-months/

Yet a small electronic device could provide much needed peace of mind for those concerned about shark attacks and ocean-goers everywhere. Lindsay Lyon, a surfer and Executive Chairman of Shark Shield, said the string of shark attack deaths was a terrible tragedy and unprecedented in the history of sharks attacks across the globe. He went on to explain thatShark Shield technology was first developed by the South African NATAL Shark Board in the 1990s. Today, the product is now a NATO certified device that could play an important role in protecting surfers, divers, and kayakers, among others, from predatory sharks. 

One individual who believes he was saved from a shark attack is Bernie Williams. In 2006, Williams was diving with friends when he was mauled. The spear gun he was holding lessened the blow when he was attacked from below, but Williams is adamant that it was his friend and the Shark Shield that he wore that saved his life. For his story, see http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/breaking/14322003/ma...

Not all sharks, however, are predatory. The great white sharks involved in the most recent fatal shark attacks have a highly developed sense, called the Ampullae of Lorenzini, which is located in the snout and is used as a final homing sense in close proximity to prey. Shark Shield sends out electronic wave-forms that overload this special sensory organ and deter predatory sharks, such as Great Whites.

Continued Lyon, “I would urge people to at least educate themselves about how the Shark Shield works and then make an informed decision about whether it’s the right solution. We hope that more people learn about Shark Shield, because our products make people safer."