Cameras On Drones Can 'X-Ray The Water' To Look For The Animals

Shark attacks are a serious issue on beaches around the world, and a company in Australia has developed a system it says will help lifesaving authorities know where the animals are, possibly preventing some attacks.

Perth Now reports that Western Australia-based Shark Alert International has developed a multi-spectral camera that it says can "X-ray" the water to detect the signature of a shark down to about 35 feet. Unlike human observers in helicopters, the cameras are not hindered by waves, choppy water or glare from the sun.

The information is then passed to lifeguards on the beach in real time, allowing them to alert swimmers that a shark is nearby. It can also be transmitted directly to an app installed on smartphones and waterproof smart watches available to the public.

Shark Alert managing director Chris Gurtler said the camera takes seven photos on five different light frequencies every second. Proprietary algorithms and software distinguish sharks from other marine animals or objects.

Gurtler calls the system a "game-changer". Beach trials of the system will begin in December, according to the report.

(Image from file)

FMI: Original Report