Shark Safety in Sydney Harbour: New Monitoring Stations Installed
New shark monitoring technology and emergency trauma kits aim to improve safety at Mosman and Sydney's swimming beaches.
The NSW Government has installed two new shark listening stations in Sydney Harbour: one at Balmoral and the second at Lady Bay, near South Head. They're part of a series of shark safety measures in Sydney Harbour being introduced as summer approaches.
Shark listening stations are underwater receivers that detect acoustic signals from electronic tags attached to sharks. They can provide real-time alerts when a tagged animal comes within range. Using hydrophones, the stations pick up the unique ultrasonic signals emitted by tagged sharks, with each receiver generally covering a radius of about 500 metres.
When a tagged shark enters the detection zone, information is transmitted via satellite or 4G networks, helping authorities monitor movements and issue alerts through services including the government's SharkSmart app.
The new harbour stations add to NSW's network of 37 listening stations, which currently monitor 1,698 white sharks, 938 tiger sharks and 374 bull sharks. The tracking network operates alongside 305 SMART drumlines and drone surveillance as part of the state's broader shark bite mitigation program.
Closer to shore, Mosman Council is also strengthening emergency preparedness with the installation of shark bite trauma kits at popular Mosman swimming locations, including Balmoral Beach, Edwards Beach, Clifton Gardens, Sirius Cove and Chinamans Beach.
The kits contain essential first aid equipment such as tourniquets, bandages, thermal blankets and emergency instructions. They're designed to allow bystanders and first responders to provide immediate assistance during the critical minutes before emergency services arrive.
The initiative was endorsed at Council's August meeting, with seven kits approved for installation at local swimming beaches.
Together, the new monitoring stations and emergency kits provide an additional layer of protection for Sydney Harbour swimmers, combining technology, surveillance and rapid first aid preparedness as the warmer months approach.
