Sharks transmit 'tweets' to tell Australian swimmers when they are close in new scheme
Surf Life Saving Western Australia (SLSWA) is using transmitters on sharks to tweet alerts to warn swimmers when the tagged shark swims within about a kilometre of a beach.The tweets are then sent providing the location, size and breed of the shark, to swimmers and surfers can be aware before taking a dip.Previously, such information had to be found from local newspapers or radio, Chris Peck, from SLSWA, told Sky News."You might not have got some of that information until the following day in which case the hazard has long gone and the information might not be relevant."Now it's instant information and really people don't have an excuse to say we're not getting the information, it's about whether you are searching for it and finding it," he said.About 320 sharks are currently tagged.
Fisheries advise: tagged Tiger shark detected at North Cottesloe receiver at 07:46:00 PM on 25-Dec-2013
— Surf Life Saving WA (@SLSWA) December 25, 2013Fisheries advise: tagged Bronze whaler shark detected at Bickley Point (Rottnest) receiver at 07:17:00 AM on 26-Dec-2013
— Surf Life Saving WA (@SLSWA) December 25, 2013