Target: Tara Moriarty, Australia Minister for Agriculture
Goal: Support shark-spotting drones as non-lethal strategy to prevent deadly shark encounters.
For one week every year, the ocean’s predators shine in the spotlight during Shark Week. But with this celebration comes a forceful reminder that shark encounters can prove deadly, especially as the marine animals are forced further toward the shore while their habitats experience turmoil. This ForceChange petition called attention to one of the more promising strategies for preventing lethal attacks in a non-lethal manner. Increasingly, coastal areas are taking note.
Sydney, Australia was the site of tragedy when a woman was mauled by a shark in the waters of the city’s popular Coogee Beach. Because of the beach’s proximity to an airfield, drones had been banned on this beach. But due to the disturbing attack, that ban has been lifted, and plans are forthcoming to lift the ban permanently. If restrictions are put in place to limit the heights that a drone can fly and to ensure that trained pilots like emergency personnel operate the drones, then the technology could be a crucial life-saver, both for humans and for sharks that might otherwise be culled. In just a year’s time, drones have detected 2,000-plus sharks before they reached beaches in other areas of Australia.
Sign the petition below to thank the leaders who are working toward this critical compromise.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Minister Moriarty,
Surf Life Saving NSW and its shark-spotting drones have successfully curtailed thousands of potential deadly shark attacks. With the easing of bans at Coogee Beach, even more lives will be saved. Tragedies such as the one that befell a 35-year-old swimmer can be averted. Better yet, drone technology does not come at the cost of life to the ocean’s marine inhabitants.
Thank you for making non-lethal and life-saving initiatives a focal point of shark mitigation strategies.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Daniel Torobekov
