Queensland tests high-frequency pingers to protect whales from nets
Near Noosa Heads in Queensland, Australia, a five-week trial of high-frequency acoustic deterrent devices on nets has begun as part of the shark control program. Authorities hope the new devices will more effectively deter humpback whales and prevent them from becoming entangled in nets, ABC News Australia reports.
About 50,000 humpback whales travel along Australia’s east coast each year. Their southward migration is currently underway. Queensland Shark Control Program operations coordinator Sam Fahy said that about 0.02% of whales interact with nets, but the program can be improved.
New signal frequencies
Acoustic deterrent devices, or pingers, are attached to nets. Future Oceans representative James Turner explained that the devices emit a sound into the water that whales and dolphins are believed to hear. According to him, the signals acoustically mark fishing nets and drum lines for the animals, after which whales move away from the equipment.
The University of Queensland conducted testing and identified a frequency that researchers believe may be more effective than the one the government has used in pingers over the previous 15 years. Separate deterrent devices on nets are also intended to deter dolphins.
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Monitoring the nets
University of Queensland researchers will observe the nets and whales approaching them for 10 hours each day. Riona McNamara said the team would monitor the animals’ behaviour near the equipment throughout the experiment.
At the same time, Olaf Meynecke, executive director of the conservation organization Humpbacks and High-rises, said previous studies had not demonstrated sufficient effectiveness of similar pingers. He estimated that about 60 entanglement cases are recorded annually along the east coast, although the real number may be higher due to inaccurate reporting.
Queensland Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said the trial reflects the government’s commitment to improving beach visitor safety through modern technology and science.
