Across the globe, the war on solving environmental challenges in an eco-friendly way remains a high priority. This is especially true for innovators like Sara Andreotti, marine biologist and CEO at SharkSafe Barriers, the world’s first nature-inspired eco-friendly technology to protect people and sharks. Subject to a harsh stigma and severe overfishing worldwide, sharks undoubtedly rank as one of the most misunderstood species alive today. Setting their sights on tackling this critical problem, South African startup SharkSafe Barriers employs a uniquely brilliant green solution using the power of magnets, called SharkSafe Barriers.

Fear or Fact: The Real Truth

 Perhaps the greatest misconception about these magnificent creators is that they are not inherently out to get humans, but rather to live peacefully in the vast oceans that make up 70% of our planet. Still, most beachgoers, surfers, and aquatic enthusiasts possess an innate fear of sharks. To combat the risk of shark attacks, many beaches use outdated deterrent methods, with nets being the most popular choice, a largely ineffective tool known to endanger other marine life via entanglement. Such methods have contributed to a 71% decrease in this powerful apex predator's survival, placing our entire oceanic ecosystem at risk.

 

The survival of sharks is not only a vital piece of our ecosystem but also impacts tourism to coastal paradise locations like the Bahamas, the Gold Coast, and other popular tourist destinations like Réunion Island in the Indian Ocean. For example, this small but picturesque town experienced a 13% decrease in total tourism over the last 10 years, directly related to documented shark attacks. And, while many may argue shark attacks are on the rise, the earth’s changing temperatures and the increased recreational activities of humans are the primary disruptors of these creatures and their habitats.

 

From lifeguards and drones to baiting and nets, the solutions available in today’s market are far from safe or effective. Seeing a gap in the market, SharkSafe Barriers came onto the scene with a two-pronged solution the industry had never seen before! Their revolutionary barriers use sharks’ natural deterrents to keep them out of populated areas. Made from flexible pipes designed to mimic a thick kelp forest, these pipes contain magnets known to overwhelm sharks' electromagnetic receptors found in their heads. Simple yet effective, SharkSafe Barriers trade crude and cruel methods for a brilliant and long-lasting solution. Although more costly than their counterparts, SharkSafe Barriers last for 20+ years with minimal maintenance, making them cheaper overall.

 

Making their leap into the market, SharkSafe Barriers installed their first commercial barrier in the Bahamas and has already received a plethora of positive results! 

 

Discover Magnets Without Boundaries at Apex

Magnets are paving the way for incredible solutions to long-standing problems in a greener, more environmentally friendly way! From SharkSafe Barriers to the latest technology in healthcare, the power of magnetics knows no limits! 

 

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