Drop-in to Kiama SMART drumline stand this Friday to Sunday

3 Oct 2017

The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) will open a community drop-in stand in Kiama this Friday, Saturday and Sunday to inform and educate the public about a six
month trial of 10 SMART (Shark-Management-Alert-in-Real-Time) drumlines, to be deployed off beaches in the Kiama region early next month.

DPI shark research scientist Vic Peddemors said the six month trial of SMART drumlines is part of the NSW Governments $16 million Shark Management Strategy.

“SMART drumlines are looking very promising as part of the future of shark mitigation measures in NSW as trials have shown they help to protect human life while minimising
the impact on marine species,” Dr Peddemors said.

“They have proven to be four-times more effective than mesh nets at catching potentially dangerous target sharks on the North Coast during our six month trial earlier this year with minimal bycatch of non-target animals.

“I encourage anyone from the Kiama community to drop into our stand to see SMART Drumlines first-hand and learn how NSW is leading the world with shark research and this
technology.

“Beaches from Kiama to Shell Cove were chosen for the deployment of 10 SMART drumlines.”

The community drop-in stand will be open between 9am and 2pm each day on:

  • Friday 6 October at Surf Beach, Coronation Park on Manning Street
  • Saturday 7 October at Surf Beach, Coronation Park on Manning Street
  • Sunday 8 October at Kiama town centre, Hindmarsh Park on Terralong Street.

The drop-in stand will also set up in Ulladulla later in the month to inform locals about the 10 SMART drumlines to be deployed from Ulladulla to Narrawallee in early November.

SMART drumlines are deployed approximately 500 metres offshore away from swimmers and surfers to allow sharks to be intercepted beyond the surf zone.

SMART drumlines are vastly different to traditional drumlines. They alert the operators when a shark is caught, allowing rapid response including tagging, releasing and
relocating the animal alive.

Further information on the NSW Government’s $16 million Shark Management Strategy is available on DPI’s website www.dpi.nsw.gov.au

Media contact: Phil Bevan (02) 6391 3568 or 0419 602 508