New Study via AU Government Proves Sharkbanz Effectiveness

New Study via AU Government Proves Sharkbanz Effectiveness

Sharkbanz, makers of the world’s first and only shark-deterring terminal fishing tackle, continues to gain support from the scientific community, respected charter boat captains, professional anglers, and private fisherman. Now you can add government agencies to the list of proponents that back the efficacy of Sharkbanz’ core electromagnetic shark-deterrent technology.

 Sharkbanz, makers of the world’s first and only shark-deterring terminal fishing tackle, continues to gain support from the scientific community, respected charter boat captains, professional anglers, and private fisherman. Now you can add government agencies to the list of proponents that back the efficacy of Sharkbanz’ core electromagnetic shark-deterrent technology.

Data just released by the Western Australian (WA) Government, Fisheries Minister, Don Punch, included early findings from recent Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) research which found some deterrent devices are effective in reducing shark depredation.

For the study, three different devices, including the Sharkbanz Fishing Zeppelin, were tested in the shark-infested waters off Exmouth and the Montebello Islands. All three devices – one audio, one electric, and the electromagnetic Sharkbanz Zeppelin – were tested against a control that used no deterrents, and the proportion of sharks involved in fishing events with the control group vs. the devices was equal. Each test drop was filmed, with nearly 200 hours of video gathered. In some of the footage the Sharkbanz Zeppelin can be seen deterring sharks from a variety of trophy fish species including red emperors and coral trout. According to the AW DPIRD, as evidenced by the video footage, “The Sharkbanz device invoked avoidance behaviors when sharks approached.”

In total, the study found the probability of sharks taking hooked fish from angler’s lines was reduced by 65 percent across the three shark-deterrent devices. The Sharkbanz Zeppelin, a Best in Category winner at this year’s ICAST Show, was the only device that could be considered standard terminal fishing gear.

"Conclusions from the scientists indicated deterrent devices were effective in cutting shark-depredation rates,” noted Punch in a post-study statement, “Deterrents do not stop sharks taking all fish, but enable you to land a greater proportion of hooked fish.” I congratulate the DPIRD researchers who worked on the program, led by Doctors Peter Coulson and Gary Jackson. They put recreational license fees to work to help all of WA's fishers with valuable information to take home more catches."

The research was funded by recreational license fees and was deemed necessary because sharks in Western Australia each year take millions of dollars of valuable fish from angler’s lines before they can be brought onto the boat. Shark numbers have increased significantly in the study waters over the past decade. As a result, anglers need to catch many more fish to fill their limits, and some sportsman and tourists are choosing to fish other destinations where shark depredation is less of a problem.

Recognized worldwide by surfers, swimmers, divers and beachgoers, Sharkbanz already offers a wearable device, the Sharkbanz 2, that uses patented magnetic technology developed by marine biologists to deter predatory sharks with amazing consistency. The result of over a decade’s worth of research in the USA, Australia, and South Africa on the efficacy of permanent magnets as a shark deterrent, this technology has also proven effective at deterring sharks in fishing applications.

“That led us to introduce the Sharkbanz Zeppelin” reveals Nathan Garrison, who cofounded the company with his father, David, in 2014. It’s designed specifically for anglers and uses an electromagnetic field to harmlessly ward off sharks – yet it doesn’t deter other fish from taking a bait or striking a lure. Weighing just 6.5 ounces, it’s compact, easy to use, and requires no batteries or charging. The Zeppelin can be used as a sinker, tied into the main leader, or added to the main line using a carbineer after hooking a fish to help reduce the age-old problem of shark depredation, otherwise known in fishing circles as ‘Paying the Taxman.’”

To be sure, in individual testing by highly respected fishing charter captains and professional anglers, the Sharkbanz Zeppelin has performed at even higher levels. Many, including such renowned experts as Key West charter skippers Billy Delph of Delph Fishing and Chris Mendola of Far Out Fishing, as well as Captain Terry Maxwell of Exmouth, Australia, have reported success rates in the 80- to 90-percent range, especially once they’ve gained a little experience in positioning the Zeppelin for optimal results.

“The Sharkbanz Zeppelin will deflect most attacks aimed at taking a bite out of an angler’s catch,” says Garrison. “That’s a big deal because now anglers can fish right through the sharks and watch as they turn away just before zeroing in for the kill. In addition to saving your catch, the Sharkbanz Zeppelin prevents tackle loss, serves as a conservation tool to protect sharks from being hooked, and lessens the number of bottom fish needed to ice some tasty fillets.”

Looking forward, Sharkbanz plans to continue to be scientific and results-driven as they test and improve their products across a range of applications in recreational and commercial fishing through strategic research and development.

“We’re very happy to have been included in this study by the West Australian government, and thrilled our Zeppelin device performed admirably,” concludes Garrison. “Our technology is based on solid science, and we have over a dozen studies on our company website that support our theory and cutting-edge technology. We’ll be adding this new study to our growing list of supporting materials as soon as full documentation becomes available.”

The Sharkbanz Zeppelin has an MSRP of $69.99 and is available both online and in a growing number of fishing, boating and outdoors stores. To order online, locate retail outlets, or view videos, testimonials and studies supporting Sharkbanz theory and technology, visit sharkbanz.com.