Magnet trials are up and running!

Oct 09, 2023

Magnet trials are up and running!We made some changes to our methods to make them more applicable to real fisheries. 
We're now using simulated fishing lines to test the efficacy of ferrite magnet deterrents on blue sharks. These are two fishing lines with the hooks removed - one with magnets jus above the bait, and one control, with no magnets above the bait. We will still be doing non-invasive length measurements of the sharks, but we have modified our remote video system to a handheld in-water video system - more on that soon.
Take a look at our new setup for the magnet experiment in action below:
 
Simulated fishing line with magnets
 
Simulated fishing line with magnets
 

Tom and Victoria Shorten like this.

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About This Project

Magnets as blue shark deterrents?

Newcastle University & MARECO

Blue sharks (Prionace glauca) are the most commonly caught species of shark globally. They are usually caught as bycatch in tuna and swordfish longlines. So how can we reduce this bycatch, whilst not impacting target tuna and swordfish catch?

Sharks have specialised electrosensory systems and can detect magnetic fields. This project investigates blue shark behavioural responses to ferrite magnets, using pelagic stereo-BRUVS (baited remote underwater video stations) and rod & line trials.