Drones detect sharks in coastal waters as a part of an ongoing study

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NC (WWAY) —  Drone technology is expanding even further. Researchers from Duke University and UNC have been testing the ability of drones to detect sharks in coastal waterways.

Researchers at the Duke Marine Lab in Beaufort are examining whether drones can effectively pinpoint bonnethead sharks in different habitats and water conditions.

They were able to do so successfully using decoys in water that was about a meter deep.

Scientists say the purpose of the study is to understand how well we’re able to detect sharks with hopes to eventually help alert swimmers if a shark is nearby.

Travis Santa Barbara says this would great especially near fishing piers like Johnnie Mercer’s in Wrightsville Beach.

“I think it’s a great idea,” Santa Barbara said. “Especially around the pier where people are fishing and what not where there is going to be a lot fish and chum so obviously sharks are attracted to that stuff so I think it will protect beachgoers if you have stuff like that.”

While we had several shark attacks last year along our coast, Wrightsville Beach Ocean Rescue Captain Jeremy Owens says the drone technology would be most useful when it comes finding to a missing person.

“I think the drone technology is great,” Owens said. “I think it could be a tremendous asset to us for providing an aerial platform for search for missing persons in the water. You know instead of calling for a helicopter down here for a search we could have drones to utilize in that way.”

Researchers are continuing to use drones with hopes of detecting any type of shark in any coastal area.

“Dolphins and turtles and fish and sharks, they all live out there,” Owens said. “That’s their home, but you’re way more likely to get trouble when you come to the beach by getting caught in a rip current and drowning then you are having any incidents with marine life out here.”

Scientists also using drones to track and study sea turtles, seals and other marine species.

The facility is offering courses to train students and working professionals on how to use drones in coastal research and conservation.