Shark detecting drones help keep humans safe in Australia
A $16m high-tech strategy has been launched in Australia to combat shark attacks, using drones to track the movements of sharks in real-time. Using a combination of 20 listening stations, placed in well known shark attack locations, and flying drones along the coast line, the government hope to reduce the number of fatalities each year. The technology will allow phone and tablet users to track the sharks in real-time using the SharkSmart App, which also provides alerts. 

Drones will be flown above beaches, and 20 listening stations built along the NSW coast to track sharks in real-time, in a $16 million high-tech strategy to combat shark attacks.

The wide-ranging plan to protect swimmers and surfers with eco-friendly barrier nets, new technology and helicopter surveillance, will be announced by the Baird government on Sunday at Coogee Beach.

The five-year program represents a significant funding boost from the $1.5 million spent annually on shark meshing.

Minister for Primary Industries Niall Blair said NSW would be the first government to trial so many new shark mitigation technologies at once.