Project AIRSHIP might be Australia’s next shark spotter.
Shark attacks have been part of the new cycle since Jaws made everyone terrified of sharks. The actual facts about sharks disappear in the face of such rampant fear. Despite real research about shark culls, shark nets, and other things that kill sharks without affecting shark attack numbers, there are many who still scream for blood. All the drama surrounding what to do, though, is forcing a lot of new innovation when it comes to shark spotting. So far, they’ve tried Twitter and a smart-buoy, just to name a few. The newest comes in the form of a blimp.
In the last year, there’ve been 16 shark attacks in Australia–two of which have been fatal. A 22-year-old lifeguard at Surf Beach in Kiama came up with Project AIRSHIP, which, as one of the greatest acronyms of all time, stands for Aerial Inflatable Remote Shark Human Interaction Prevention.
The blimp isn’t Hindenberg-sized, though. Measuring in at about 15 feet long, it’s equipped with cameras that hook up to a lifeguard’s laptop. Compared to drones, Project Airship makes quite a bit more sense. Blimps can stay in the air for extended periods of time and are much cheaper.
The blimp’s first trial run goes down in December and continues through February. With any luck, it’ll be Australia’s next effective shark warning system.
