2006 Grand Prize Winner - Implementing the Winning Idea

DETERRING SHARKS WITH MAGNETS

Michael Herrmann, United States

At the time of winning his grand prize, Michael Hermann’s idea had only been tested in lab conditions and in limited field control situations with proves effectiveness for only 2 shark species. Since that time, an additional 4 species have been successfully added to the repellent list, with trials continuing on another 6 species, and additional species trials planned.

SharkDefense Technologies will be collaborating in a longline study that will take place in both North Inlet, SC and Oahu, HI to test the effectiveness of permanent magnets on longlines. Preliminary work examining the effectiveness of magnets on fishing gear has been explored using rod and reel techniques. The data obtained from this study demonstrated that elasmobranchs favor hooks that do not contain magnets suggesting that the application of magnets on longlines could have a significant impact on reducing elasmobranch bycatch on longlines. This is an idea that is still in the experimental stage and requires considerable development to move it toward commercial adoption.