Researchers are making special surfboard fins.

The topic is shark attacks.

Marc in het Panhuis is leading the team making shark-deterrent surfboard fins.

Here's a short summary:

Researchers from the University of Wollongong are working on shark-deterrent technology for surfboard fins.

Shark attack survivor Brett Connellan likes the project.

What's next?

Researchers hope to have prototypes by the end of the year.

Surfboard fins with shark-deterrent technology are being developed in NSW.

The University of Wollongong has a $2.5 million research project to design and manufacture the product.

There were four non-fatal shark bites in January along the NSW coastline.

The smart surfboard fins will have electromagnetic systems and sensors.

Marc in het Panhuis said this is an industry response to shark attacks in Australia.

The project aims to incorporate technologies to inhibit a shark's ability to detect and attack humans.

The fins will be made with 3D-printed composite material and electronic devices.

Electromagnetism targets a shark's electro-sensory system, causing discomfort and muscle spasms.

One challenge is combining smart devices within a fin for various surfboards.

Marc in het Panhuis has a background in surf science.

Surfboard fins are very light, so there's not much space for devices.

This could be a game changer, says a survivor.

Brett Connellan thinks the technology could help surfers and sharks co-exist.

He wants people to learn to co-exist with sharks.

Technology like this could give people confidence to go to the beach.

Brett Connellan was attacked by a shark and lost part of his leg.

Surgeons reconstructed his thigh with part of his back muscle.

Brett Connellan can walk and surf again.

He likes the idea of having peace of mind with the smart fins.

Brett Connellan has helped Marc in het Panhuis with his work.

The fins will be tested in the ocean and with marine animals.

The hope is to manufacture and sell the smart fins as a shark-safe product.

Professor in het Panhuis will start by trialling the fins in the ocean.

Later stages could involve trials with marine animals, under strict oversight.

Any testing with surfers will require approval from the UOW's human research ethics processes.

Charlie Huveneers said any new shark-attack mitigation measure is welcome.

He is testing the efficacy of shark bite mitigation measures.

Professor Huveneers wants the new fins to be tested with dangerous sharks.

A few personal deterrents have been scientifically tested on large predatory sharks.

The project has broader marine safety applications.

Professor in het Panhuis said the technology can be applied to other watercraft and equipment.

Current NSW SharkSmart measures detect and manage sharks at a beach or regional level.

UOW Surf Flex Lab has previously embedded shark-deterrent technology inside surfboards.

A NSW Department of Primary Industries spokesperson said they have funded research on personal deterrents.

The department recommends using independently, scientifically tested personal deterrents.

Other personal deterrents will be added to the fact sheet if they are effective.

ABC Illawarra provides local news.

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