SHOCKS FOR SHARKS

Taranaki Daily News, 8 July 1929, Page 3

SHOCKS FOR SHARKS

USE/ OF ELECTRICITY.

DEMONSTRATION OF DEVICE.

Aidermen at Randwick, Sydney, last week, witnessed a demonstration _ at Cronulla of the new device which, it is claimed, will protect surf beaches from sharks. / The inventor, Mr. E. O. Moller, oi Sweden, had laid two wires, 12ft. apart, in 6ft. of water, in the pool at the fish hatchery. In it were three 6ft. wobbegona sharks and two Port Jackson sharks, and a number of small ling, mackerel and sweep. When a current of six volts, 200 amperes, w’as turned on, the shaiks refused to approach within 3ft. of the electrodes. The smaller fish swam through the area unaffected. When the sharks were hunted between the electrodes and the current was turned on they were stunned* instantly and were unable to move. The inventor explained that if he allowed the current to remain on for 30 seconds it would kill the sharks, but' as they were valued alive at £6 each he did not want to do that.

A member Of the syndicate controlling the "invention said that if installed tha device would cost at Bondi, which was a large beach, approximately 7s 6d an hour to run, and at Coogee less than 5s an hour. The probable cost of installation at Bondi might be £20,000. The aldermen present tested the water between the electrodes when the current was turned on and found that they received only a tingling sensation. This, it was claimed, was all that a surf bather carried into the electrified Avater would feel. The aidermen stated that they would like to see the device tested on a surf beach.