Surf Life Saving Central Coast is very excited to announce that UAVs are coming to the Central Coast. The UAV program is part of a larger program developed from fives years of research into Shark behaviours.
The partnership between Surf life Saving Central Coast and the NSW Government will see UAVs be deployed from North Entrance SLSC and Avoca SLSC as part of the 2020/21 NSW Shark Program. In addition to marine sightings the UAVs will be used to assist in search and rescues and provide incident support within their vicinity.
Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall said the 2020/21 NSW Shark Program is a new approach to shark management that is based on five years of scientific research into shark behaviour.
“Our world-leading research showed SMART Drumlines and drones are the most effective detection and surveillance tools, which is why the NSW Government will deploy new drones at 34 beaches across the State and maintain SMART drumlines in high-risk locations,” Mr Marshall said.
“These measures will be complemented by 21 shark detection stations along the coast as well as ongoing shark meshing on 51 beaches between Newcastle and Wollongong.
“While no government can ever fully reduce the risk of shark interactions at our beaches this new program is backed by world-leading research and will provide the best in modern protection methods to our coastal communities.”
Drone operations will commence at the beginning of the 2020/21 summer season.
For more information, go to: www.sharksmart.nsw.gov.au.