Could shark obstacles be coming to Cape Cod seashores sooner or later?
It might be a security choice for native communities down the street after researchers lately discovered that their shark barrier efficiently deterred nice white sharks alongside the Cape.
The nonprofit O’Seas Conservation Foundation examined its shark barrier know-how, “The Exclusion Barrier,” this fall off of Chatham’s Monomoy Island — a hotbed for shark exercise alongside the Cape.
The 100-foot lengthy bodily barrier with electromagnetism “successfully manipulated the sharks’ swim patterns” within the Shark Cove space, in accordance with Craig O’Connell, the manager director of O’Seas Conservation Foundation.
“Of the more than a dozen sharks, not a single one swam through the barrier,” O’Connell instructed the Herald. “We were able to show how this is a very reliable technology, and that this technology shows great promise for the future.”
He described the barrier as an eco-friendly shark deterrent system with a sequence of evenly-spaced black pipes stuffed with electro-magnetic stimuli.
The piping is a visible barrier to sharks, whereas the electro-magnetic stimuli serves as a extra close-range shark deterrent that may push sharks away from an space.
In the long run, the shark barrier will hopefully be deployed at native seashores, O’Connell mentioned.
“Anywhere where people want that peace of mind, where families want to keep their kids safe,” he added.
Sharks have bitten individuals alongside the Cape over the past decade, together with the primary deadly shark chew in 82 years. Two surfers lately had a detailed name with an incredible white.
In Australia and South Africa, native communities have applied shark culls utilizing shark nets and drumlines at seashores, however the shark nets have been extraordinarily deadly, in accordance with O’Connell — whose unique aim was to seek out an eco-friendly alternative for shark nets.
“I’ve always wanted to develop an alternative to protect marine organisms,” he mentioned, noting that the shark nets have led to the native extinction of a number of shark species, and that the nets have killed dolphins, whales, sea turtles and different species.
One key check for the shark barrier off the Cape was whether or not it may deal with the massive swells and breaking waves. The barrier was capable of stand up to swells of as much as 7 toes, breaking waves of as much as 5 toes, and powerful currents.
O’Seas Conservation Foundation teamed up with undertaking advocate Cape Cod Ocean Community on the shark barrier trials.
“It has been inspiring to partner with Dr. O’Connell on this extremely critical issue for Cape Cod and the South Shore of Massachusetts,” mentioned Heather Lewis-Doyle, co-founder and chair of Cape Cod Ocean Community. “His relentless pursuit to make the waters safer for those whose life compels them to continue to recreate and educate the world of the value of eco-friendly seas, particularly our youth is beyond admirable.”
Source: www.bostonherald.com”