Thought this was interesting: 
Magnets can deter sharks: Research
July 24, 2008 - 3:07PM
Researchers in north Queensland have discovered that an effective shark repellent could be as simple as a magnet.
In a world-first, scientists from the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) and James Cook University (JCU) have shown that magnets can repel sharks.
They hope the magnets will keep sharks out of fishing nets set for barramundi.
DPI&F fisheries biologist Stirling Peverell said it was important to minimise unwanted bycatch in nets.
"Sharks often damage fishing nets and it is time-consuming to remove them and return them to sea, which cuts into production and profits," Mr Peverell said.
So far trials have been conducted in controlled conditions in Cairns.
The research team will soon undertake field trials to determine the practical use of magnets in the gillnet fishery.
Senior lecturer in the School of Marine and Tropical Biology at JCU, Jamie Seymour, said ferrite magnets had a dramatic effect on the behaviour of sharks.
"They react violently to the magnets, rapidly turning and swinging away from them," Dr Seymour said.
"The sharks we tested soon learned the locations of the magnets and spent less time in those areas.
"Sharks and rays have acute sensing organs known as ampullae of Lorenzini that detect electromagnetic fields in the water."
The researchers do not believe the magnetic repulsion will prevent shark attacks on humans, but they are keen to test the research in an offshore fishery.
JCU zoology honours student Damian Rigg said it was important to obtain data on the effectiveness of magnets in a practical setting.
"Our trials to date show there are different levels of avoidance between shark species and the magnets," Mr Rigg said.
"All species stay away from the magnets, but their tolerance levels vary.
"Importantly, barramundi aren't affected by the magnets. Although it's early days, the research is showing great promise for commercial application."
The tank tests involved six species of shark and rays including grey reef sharks, hammerheads, sharp-nosed sharks, blacktip sharks, the vulnerable sawfish and the critically endangered spear tooth shark, which is unique to the Wenlock River on Cape York.
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http://www.thewest.com.au/default.aspx?MenuID=2&ContentID=86838
Magnets can deter sharks: Research
July 24, 2008 - 3:07PM
Researchers in north Queensland have discovered that an effective shark repellent could be as simple as a magnet.
In a world-first, scientists from the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) and James Cook University (JCU) have shown that magnets can repel sharks.
They hope the magnets will keep sharks out of fishing nets set for barramundi.
DPI&F fisheries biologist Stirling Peverell said it was important to minimise unwanted bycatch in nets.
"Sharks often damage fishing nets and it is time-consuming to remove them and return them to sea, which cuts into production and profits," Mr Peverell said.
So far trials have been conducted in controlled conditions in Cairns.
The research team will soon undertake field trials to determine the practical use of magnets in the gillnet fishery.
Senior lecturer in the School of Marine and Tropical Biology at JCU, Jamie Seymour, said ferrite magnets had a dramatic effect on the behaviour of sharks.
"They react violently to the magnets, rapidly turning and swinging away from them," Dr Seymour said.
"The sharks we tested soon learned the locations of the magnets and spent less time in those areas.
"Sharks and rays have acute sensing organs known as ampullae of Lorenzini that detect electromagnetic fields in the water."
The researchers do not believe the magnetic repulsion will prevent shark attacks on humans, but they are keen to test the research in an offshore fishery.
JCU zoology honours student Damian Rigg said it was important to obtain data on the effectiveness of magnets in a practical setting.
"Our trials to date show there are different levels of avoidance between shark species and the magnets," Mr Rigg said.
"All species stay away from the magnets, but their tolerance levels vary.
"Importantly, barramundi aren't affected by the magnets. Although it's early days, the research is showing great promise for commercial application."
The tank tests involved six species of shark and rays including grey reef sharks, hammerheads, sharp-nosed sharks, blacktip sharks, the vulnerable sawfish and the critically endangered spear tooth shark, which is unique to the Wenlock River on Cape York.
_______________________________________________
http://www.thewest.com.au/default.aspx?MenuID=2&ContentID=86838
