Busselton Jetty has been chosen as the Australia location for the installation of an Ocean Guardian electrical shark barrier.
The virtual shark net is powered by same proven Shark Shield Technology which is subsidised by the WA State Government for diving and surfing.
The virtual shark net will be installed on the iconic 1.8 kilometre jetty at the universal access platform creating a protected diving area the size of a 50 metre Olympic swimming pool.
The platform features three ladders, one to the ocean floor, where current Underwater Helmet Walks and Dive Tours operate from.
A new underwater sculpture project will also be installed on the ocean floor.
Busselton Jetty chief executive officer Lisa Shreeve said visitors frequently asked to swim at the end of the jetty and the new diving area protected by Ocean Guardian would make this a reality.
"Many overseas tourists and local people want to dive, swim and snorkel however often an unfounded fear of sharks prevents them from enjoying our ocean," she said.
"The installation of the Ocean Guardian virtual shark net will increase the number of people wanting to see our unique marine life and enjoy WA's iconic heritage listed 154 year old jetty."
The jetty plans to install a pontoon, swim net to lay in and a roped off area with floats with a third party operator running swim, snorkel and dive tours in the area.
All going well with Council, State and Federal environmental approvals, the installation should happen before December 2019 for the summer season near the Ironman weekend.
Questions and answers about the electrical shark barrier
Q How is the Ocean Guardian Beach Barrier different to a shark net?
The Beach Barrier uses antennas which produce an electrical pulse.
These antennas are attached to a floating surface line and are weighted to the seafloor; they are spaced three metres apart which allows non-dangerous marine life to pass through the area.
This design is different to a shark net, which uses small holed netting to enclose a specified area and has known issues of marine life entanglement.
Q How does the Ocean Guardian Technology work?
All sharks have electrical receptors called 'ampullae of Lorenzini' which are used to detect electrical sensitivities in their prey.
Ocean Guardian technology incorporates submersible electrodes which produce electrical fields when submerged, creating an unbearable temporary sensation causing the shark to move away.
This sensation can be likened to being near loud speakers at a concert.
All other marine animals (fish, mammals and birds) do not have electrical receptors and are not susceptible to an electrical field in the water.
Q Does the Ocean Guardian technology work?
Yes. The effectiveness of Ocean Guardian technologies is supported by a body of independent research, and has been thoroughly tested. See sharkshield.com/technology/
Q Will the Beach Barrier be impacted by ocean conditions?
No. Comprehensive design minimises the negative impacts of sustained ocean conditions on the barrier installation.
The barrier will be installed in spring and removed in winter to avoid breakdown of the barrier in a storm event.
Q Will the location of the Beach Barrier affect recreational activities at the jetty?
The location of the Beach Barrier at Busselton Jetty will provide a safe and visible area for local and visiting swimmers, snorkellers and divers.
Currently no designated area exists at the main jetty. Having a roped off area will protect snorkelers, divers, swimmers in the water from all boats and jet skis.
The Beach Barrier will be accessible from the Access Platform to approximately 20 metres before the Underwater Observatory.
The enclosed area will extend to underneath the Jetty and adjacent area on the eastern side. It will be similar in size to an Olympic swimming pool.
Fishing will not be permitted within the designated swimming area. The remaining 1.6km of Busselton Jetty will continue to be open for recreational fishing.
