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SharkSafe Barrier

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Base blocks of the SharkSafe Barrier

The SharkSafe Barrier is a shark management technology developed in South Africa that aims to reduce human-shark interactions while minimising harm to marine life. The system was created by marine biologists and engineers and is marketed by SharkSafe Barrier Pty Ltd, a spin-off company of Stellenbosch University.[1] The barrier combines visual deterrents and magnetic fields as an alternative to traditional shark control methods.[2]

History

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Dr. Sara Andreotti using laser photogrammetry to measure a black tip shark on the Aliwal Shoal

The concept originated from studies of shark behavior, particularly the observation that some shark species avoid dense kelp forests.[3] Researchers at Stellenbosch University developed a prototype based on these observations, which was later commercialized through SharkSafe Barrier Pty Ltd.[1]

Field trials have been conducted in South Africa and the Bahamas.[4] In 2023, a 30-meter installation was deployed on a private island in the Bahamas, representing the first commercial application of the technology.[5]

Technology

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A Great White Shark visiting a testing site

The SharkSafe Barrier includes two primary deterrents:

Visual Barrier: The system mimics the appearance of kelp forests, which certain shark species tend to avoid.[3]

Magnetic Barrier: The structure incorporates ceramic magnets that emit magnetic fields designed to interfere with sharks' Ampullae of Lorenzini, a sensory system sensitive to electromagnetic fields. This mechanism is intended to deter sharks while allowing other marine life to pass through.[2]

Structure and Materials

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  • Anchoring System: The barrier is anchored to the seafloor and extends approximately 50 cm above the water surface at high tide for monitoring and visibility.[6]
  • Materials: The barrier is made from recycled and recyclable high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and stainless steel.[7]
  • Adaptability: It is designed to operate on various seabed types and has an estimated service life of 20 years with routine maintenance.[4]
  • Two divers working to connect the barrier pipes to the base blocks for an early prototype of the SharkSafe Barrier (Réunion, 2017)
    Two divers working to connect the barrier pipes to the base blocks for an early prototype of the SharkSafe Barrier (Réunion, 2017)
  • A diver working on the installation of a SharkSafe Barrier in the Bahamas (August, 2025)
    A diver working on the installation of a SharkSafe Barrier in the Bahamas (August, 2025)
  • Structure of the HDPE pipes and magnets of the SharkSafe Barrier
    Structure of the HDPE pipes and magnets of the SharkSafe Barrier

Trials and Implementation

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Multiple field studies have assessed the SharkSafe Barrier's effectiveness in reducing shark encounters while minimizing ecological disruption.[8][9][10][11][12][13]

Research has suggested that the barrier may serve as an alternative to shark nets or lethal control methods.[4] It has been referenced by marine conservation groups for its focus on non-lethal deterrence.[14]

  • Surface view of the latest SharkSafeBarrier installation in the Bahamas (August, 2025)
    Surface view of the latest SharkSafeBarrier installation in the Bahamas (August, 2025)
  • A school of schoolmaster snapper (Lutjanus apodus) visiting the site of the most recent SharkSafe Barrier installation in the Bahamas (August, 2025)
    A school of schoolmaster snapper (Lutjanus apodus) visiting the site of the most recent SharkSafe Barrier installation in the Bahamas (August, 2025)

Notable activities include:

  • 2025: Installation of a 16-meter section in the Bahamas.Recent updates from the SharkSafe Barrier project highlight ongoing field performance, research activities, and international outreach efforts, including operational milestones and conservation initiatives reported by the SharkSafe Barrier team.[15]
  • 2023: Installation of a 30-meter section in the Bahamas.[5]
  • 2019: Trial involving a 10m x 10m barrier used to observe bull shark behavior.[16]
  • Nouméa, New Caledonia: Shortlisted for a government contract.[17]
  • Recife, Brazil: Selected in a public competition fas the best shark mitigation technology.[18]
  • The installation team at the newest site of the SharkSafe Barrier in the Bahamas (August, 2025)
    The installation team at the newest site of the SharkSafe Barrier in the Bahamas (August, 2025)
  • Dr Andreotti giving a presentation on the Shark Safe Barrier in Noumea, New Caledonia
    Dr Andreotti giving a presentation on the Shark Safe Barrier in Noumea, New Caledonia

Recognition and Awards

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The SharkSafe Barrier has received various recognitions:

  • Solar Impulse Efficient Solution Label (2020, 2024)[19][20]
  • NSTF-Lewis Foundation Green Economy Award[21]
  • Finalist in the France Tech4Island Awards for Smart-Eco-Responsible Tourism[22]
  • Highlighted by the World Economic Forum’s UpLink platform as an ocean innovation[23]
  • Finalist in the 2020 Australian Ocean Impact Pitchfest[24]
  • Exhibited at Biomim’expo 2020 in Paris[25]

The company has received financial and institutional support from organizations including SHARKPROJECT, Humane Society International, and the 1000 Ocean Startups Coalition.[22][26]

Funding sources have included USD 200,000 in angel investments and a USD 250,000 repayable loan from Conservation International Ventures.[27]

Future Developments

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Dr Sara Andreotti at a panel discussion during Monaco Ocean Week

Research continues to adapt the barrier for diverse marine environments, including varied ecological and oceanographic conditions.[16] Expansion efforts are underway in regions experiencing frequent human-shark interactions, including Brazil, Australia, and the Caribbean.[27][18][28][29]

The company also engages with stakeholders such as marine scientists, conservation organizations, and policymakers to support integration of the technology into broader coastal management and public safety strategies.[30]

References

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  1. ^ a b "SharkSafe Barrier boosts eco-friendly ocean safety". Stellenbosch University. 2024-01-22. Retrieved 2025-04-16.
  2. ^ a b Duvenage, Engela (2024-03-20). "Nature Positive: Marine conservation innovation goes global". Nature Africa. doi:10.1038/d44148-024-00070-5. Retrieved 2025-04-16.
  3. ^ a b "Beyond the Blue: South African-Designed Shark Barriers Redefine Ocean Safety Worldwide". Shark Guardian. 2024-03-25. Retrieved 2025-04-16.
  4. ^ a b c "Saving sharks, protecting people, preserving oceans: The story of the SharkSafe Barrier". UNIDO. 2023-12-12. Retrieved 2025-04-16.
  5. ^ a b "These magnetic SA-made shark barriers are now used in the Bahamas". News24. 2023-11-01. Retrieved 2025-04-16.
  6. ^ "SA shark barrier tech scores first commercial installation". Engineering News. 2023-10-31. Retrieved 2025-04-16.
  7. ^ "SharkSafe Barrier: An Eco-Friendly Shark Deterrent Device". WIPO. Retrieved 2025-04-16.
  8. ^ O'Connell, C. P.; Andreotti, S.; Rutzen, M.; Meyer, M.; Matthee, C. A. (2019). "The influence of kelp density on white shark presence within the Dyer Island Nature Reserve, South Africa". Ocean & Coastal Management. 179: 104819.
  9. ^ O'Connell, C. P.; Hyun, S.-Y.; Gruber, S. H.; O'Connell, T. J.; Johnson, G.; Grudecki, K.; He, P. (2014). "The use of permanent magnets to reduce elasmobranch encounter with a simulated beach net. I. The bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas)". Ocean & Coastal Management.
  10. ^ O'Connell, C. P.; Hyun, S.-Y.; Rillahan, C. B.; He, P. (2014). "Bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas) exclusion properties of the SharkSafe Barrier and behavioral validation using ARIS technology". Global Ecology and Conservation. 2: 300–314.
  11. ^ O'Connell, C. P.; Andreotti, S.; Rutzen, M.; Meyer, M.; He, P. (2012). "The use of permanent magnets to reduce elasmobranch encounter with a simulated beach net. II. The great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias)". Ocean & Coastal Management. 97: 20–28.
  12. ^ O'Connell, C. P.; Andreotti, S.; Rutzen, M.; Meyer, M.; Matthee, C. A.; He, P. (2014). "Effects of the SharkSafe Barrier on white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) behavior and its implications for future conservation technologies". Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology. 460: 37–46.
  13. ^ O'Connell, C. P.; Andreotti, S.; Rutzen, M.; Meyer, M.; Matthee, C. A. (2017). "Testing the exclusion capabilities and durability of the SharkSafe Barrier to determine its viability as an eco-friendly alternative to current shark culling methodologies". Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems: 1–7.
  14. ^ "SharkSafe Barrier: Magnetic Fields Deter Sharks". Business Insider. 2023-12-01. Retrieved 2025-04-16.
  15. ^ "SharkSafe Barrier Newsletter – April 2025". SharkSafe Barrier. SharkSafeSolution.com. Retrieved 17 December 2025.
  16. ^ a b "SharkSafe Barrier™ withstands two years of testing at La Réunion Island". Stellenbosch University. 2021-04-07. Retrieved 2025-04-16.
  17. ^ "SA-designed SharkSafe Barrier expands to international waters". CapeTownEtc. 2023-11-03. Retrieved 2025-12-11.
  18. ^ a b "Inovação Aberta – 2ª Fase". EITA! Recife. sites.google.com/recife.pe.gov.br. Retrieved 17 December 2025.
  19. ^ "SharkSafe Barrier awarded Solar Impulse Efficient Solution label". Innovus (Stellenbosch University tech transfer). 2024-07-17. Retrieved 2025-12-11.
  20. ^ "SharkSafe Barrier – Solar Impulse Efficient Solution". Solar Impulse Solutions Explorer. Solar Impulse Foundation. Retrieved 17 December 2025.
  21. ^ "Sharksafe (Pty) Ltd – NSTF Lewis Foundation Green Economy Award". National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF). 2020-12-11. Retrieved 2025-12-11.
  22. ^ a b "Shark barrier tech from South Africa installed in Bahamas". Mail & Guardian. 2023-11-01. Retrieved 2025-12-11.
  23. ^ "SharkSafe Barrier highlighted on UpLink platform". World Economic Forum / UpLink. Retrieved 2025-12-11.
  24. ^ "SharkSafe Barrier – Pitchfest 2020 Startup Spotlight". Ocean Impact. 2020. Retrieved 2025-12-11.
  25. ^ "SharkSafe Barrier showcased at Biomim'expo 2020". Biomim’expo. 2020-08-12. Retrieved 2025-12-11.
  26. ^ "1000 Ocean Startups Coalition — SharkSafe Barrier member". 1000 Ocean Startups. 2022. Retrieved 2025-12-11.
  27. ^ a b "Conservation International Ventures Supports SharkSafe Barriers Investment". Conservation International. 2023-04-26. Retrieved 2025-12-11.
  28. ^ "Revolutionizing the concept of shark management". EurekAlert!. American Association for the Advancement of Science. Retrieved 17 December 2025.
  29. ^ "Conservation International Ventures Supports Shark Conservation and Coexistence with SharkSafe Barriers Investment". Conservation International. conservation.org. Retrieved 17 December 2025.
  30. ^ "Saving sharks, protecting people, preserving oceans: The story of the SharkSafe Barrier". UNIDO. 2023-12-12. Retrieved 2025-12-11.

Category:Shark conservation Category:Marine conservation Category:Shark attack prevention Category:Environmental engineering Category:Human–wildlife conflict