Ep 8. Shark Hunting Drones

Innovation Nation season 3 episode 8 is titled "Shark Hunting Drones." The episode explores the use of technology to help protect swimmers and surfers from shark attacks.

The episode starts with a visit to a beach in South Carolina where a team of researchers are using drone technology to patrol the waters for sharks. The drones capture real-time images of the water and send them back to the team on land. The images are analyzed using artificial intelligence to detect the presence of sharks in the water. If a shark is detected, the team can quickly take action to alert swimmers and clear the water.

Next, we travel to Australia where a company has developed a shark deterrent device that can be attached to surfboards. The device emits an electromagnetic field that sharks can sense, causing them to swim away from the area. This technology has been tested and proven effective in reducing shark attacks on surfers.

The episode then takes us to a company in California that has created a new type of wetsuit made from a special material that sharks find unappealing. The material mimics the texture of certain types of fish scales that sharks typically avoid. The wetsuits have been tested in shark-infested waters and have proven to be highly effective in deterring sharks from attacking.

In addition to these technologies, the episode also showcases a project to tag and track sharks in the waters off the coast of California. Researchers attach electronic tags to sharks that allow them to monitor the animals' movements and behaviors. This information is used to better understand the behavior of sharks and to develop new technologies to protect humans from shark attacks.

The episode closes with a discussion of the importance of balancing the needs of humans and the environment. While shark attacks are a serious concern for those who choose to swim and surf in the ocean, it's important to remember that sharks play a vital role in the ocean ecosystem. By using technology to protect humans, we can also work to preserve the delicate balance of ocean life.