Magnets To The Aid Of Sharks

Sharks are reportedly able to detect magnetic fields. Some are even repelled by magnetic fields. Michael Herrmann, a research associate at the US-based company Shark Defense has used this info for an innovation in fishing gear, which will help addresses, the problem of shark bycatch. Thousands of sharks could be saved from being caught and killed on fishing lines thanks to this innovation. An estimated 89 per cent of hammerhead sharks and 80 per cent of thresher and white sharks have disappeared from the Northeast Atlantic Ocean in the last 18 years, largely due to bycatch. Michael Herrmann will receive the US$25,000 grand prize to further develop and test his winning idea. The prize is sponsored by WWF.