Shark listening station at Merimbula

“The VR4G has now been installed at Merimbula and follows the installation of the 19th in Batemans Bay on Tuesday,” Member for Bega Andrew Constance said.

Mr Constance said these satellite-linked VR4G receivers record the presence of tagged sharks swimming within 500 metres of the listening station.

“Information on the movement of tagged sharks captured on the VR4Gs goes straight to a satellite and is then instantly sent to mobile devices via Twitter and the SharkSmart App.

“The Shark Smart app – available at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au - provides key information about the movement of sharks along our coastline as well as providing important safety measures in place on the State’s beaches.”

Mr Constance said there were 114 white sharks and 88 bull sharks tagged by either NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) or CSIRO that will register when they swim near the VR4G listening station.

“Whilst we can’t tag every shark in the population, the new listening stations will enhance bather safety by alerting beach-goers and authorities when a tagged shark is in the area.

“They provide beach-goers with information and knowledge to help them assess their risk of a shark encounter before they hit the water.”

Mr Constance said the Government initially invested in 10 VR4Gs on the NSW north coast earlier this year – and they have proved very successful.

“Following positive feedback from the community, the NSW Government has invested in a further ten VR4Gs – the first five of which went in up the coast at Crescent Head, Old Bar, Hawks Nest, Redhead and Bondi.

“This technology is one component of the NSW Government’s suite of shark attack mitigation measures under the $16m Shark Management Strategy.”

He said the the Shark Management Strategy includes $7.7 million for surveillance, detection and deterrents, $1.3 million for education and community awareness and $7 million funding for science and research.