subasurf said...

Nets not only dont work (most sharks caught in nets are caught on the swimmer side) but they also cause havoc to the local marine life. Everyone knows this, yet some people, for some reason, still think it's a viable option.

As for the shark shield, it is pretty much proven technology. Several scientific papers have been released by elasmobranch biologists to support the evidence and the anecdotal evidence is astounding. There are several electronic shark deterrents on the market and the Aussie made 'Shark Shield' is by far the most effective and reliable. Problem with sharkshields is that tend to zap you from time to time but, if you're a regular diver, it may be worth the investment. Having said that, I would never go diving with/near someone that had one. The zap hurts. You can also get them for surfboards but they're 5hit.

At the end of the day, the only way for people to be 100% safe from sharks is to stay on land. Otherwise, sack up and get wet. I'm stoked about the intended funds for further shark research from a researcher's point of view more so than for swimmer's safety. The more we know about white sharks (at the moment we know almost nothing) the more we can do to protect them (still very much endangered) and even possibly unlock the 'secret' as to why they seams to be hanging around coastal waters when their usual prefered habitat is off the continental shelf.