Spectur joins shark trial

Perth-based security and technology company Spectur will join the state government’s new shark drumline trial, providing nine Shark Warning Systems.

Fisheries Minister Dave Kelly yesterday announced that the non-lethal Smart drumline trial was under way, involving the deployment of 10 drumlines off the coast of Gracetown across the next 15 months.

The drumlines has been used in NSW since 2015 to catch, tag, relocate and release sharks. However, detailed scientific information about the effectiveness of the technology in reducing the risk of a shark attack has not been publically released.

After 12 months, WA chief scientist Peter Klinken will undertake an independent assessment of Smart drumlines' effectiveness, assisting the Western Australian government to assess a wider application of the project.

Spectur, which currently primarily services the construction and critical infrastructure industries, will work with the state government to provide the solar-powered, remote-operated warning systems to help keep beachgoers informed of shark activity.

The technology will be installed adjacent to Smart drumline areas using lights, sirens and audio broadcasts to provide timely local information relating to beach closures.

Alerts are triggered remotely using Spectur’s cloud platform.

The systems aim to close the gap between shark sighting reports and alerts, and have been trialled through the Shire of Augusta Margaret River and the City of Busselton since November last year.

Spectur chief executive Peter Holton said the government order validated a move into new applications by the company, with a growing opportunity to deploy Spectur systems nationally.

“The government’s vote of confidence in the Spectur technology, incorporated into Shark Warning Systems, will pave the way for more commercial opportunities,” he said.

“The Spectur Shark Warning Systems are an extremely cost competitive solution to improve the safety of everyone on the beach, particularly ones that aren’t patrolled by surf lifesavers or those located in remote areas.”