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Researchers from The University of Western Australia's Oceans Institute have begun their latest expedition off the coast of WA to test a range of cutting-edge shark repellents.

UWA Neuroecology Group Dr Ryan Kempster from the School of Animal Biology is maintaining a daily blog through the ocean conservation society Support Our Sharks providing exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the research expedition results.

The researchers will be on expedition until the 20th of January 2014.

The Western Australian Government recently announced the second round of funding as part of its Shark Mitigation Strategy with UWA receiving support for a further two projects.

A project led by Shane Chambers from the School of Physics received $252,417 to develop an acoustic system to detect sharks as they approach beaches and Associate Professor Nathan Hart will lead a $284,620 project to define the actual visual, electrical and vibrational (sensory) cues that trigger shark attacks.

In the first round of funding announced in December 2012 world leading shark sensory biologist WA Premier's Fellow and Winthrop Professor Shaun Collin, who leads the Neuroecology Group at UWA's Oceans Institute , was funded to test the effectiveness and improve understanding of existing shark deterrents.

Associate Professor Nathan Hart received funding to develop and test new shark deterrents, including the innovative use of bubble curtains, strobe lights and sub aquatic sounds. He is also working with Professor Collin to develop shark attack deterrent wetsuits in a project co-funded by WA company Dunbar Harper and the WA Government.

Winthrop Professor Mohammed Bennamoun, from UWA's School of Computer Science and Software Engineering , was also funded to develop advanced vision systems for automatic shark detection. Professor Bennamoun's recent research projects used the latest 3D imaging and biomechanical techniques to quantify swimmers' movement patterns .

The WA Department of Commerce established the Shark Hazard Advisory Research Committee (SHARC), which is chaired by Chief Scientist of Western Australia, UWA Professor Lyn Beazley, to deliver shark mitigation education and research, and the opportunity to work more closely with other organisations on the issue.

Related Video featuring UWA research : ABC Catalyst:  shark repellent

Media references

David Stacey (UWA Public Affairs) (+61 8)  6488 3229  /  (+61 4) 32 637 716