Innovative Shark Monitoring for 2028 Olympics

Shark researcher Jesse Watters recently hosted Chris Fischer, founder of OCEARCH, to discuss an increase in shark attacks this summer. New York experienced beach closures due to bull sharks, with incidents including a swimmer bitten in Queens and a child attacked in Florida. Fischer advises avoiding swimming in areas where bait fish are active, as shark populations have rebounded to levels seen in the 1960s.

In preparation for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, scientists at California State University, Long Beach, are developing a solar-powered shark-surveillance robot. This technology aims to protect athletes and beachgoers by patrolling coastal waters. The robotic vessel, about 10 feet long, will scan for tagged sharks, collect water samples, and launch an aerial drone. It will provide real-time information to lifeguards.

According to Chris Lowe, Director of the Shark Lab, the craft will locate acoustically tagged sharks and analyze water samples for white shark DNA. This will be crucial for the upcoming Olympic events in Southern California, including open-water swimming in Long Beach and surfing in Orange County. Having the robot patrol these areas will enhance safety.

The surveillance robot’s goal is to support lifeguard decision-making rather than unnecessarily alarming the public. As Lowe points out, sharks often presence on Southern California beaches without causing harm. Accurate data on shark presence assists in improving beach safety operations.

The Shark Lab has tagged many juvenile white sharks, using drones and underwater listening stations to monitor them along California’s coast. The new vessel will combine these tools. However, additional research is necessary before deploying a fleet of robotic monitors during the Olympics.

Funding poses a challenge. State financial support for the project may end this fall, which threatens the continuation of tagging and monitoring efforts. The effectiveness of the surveillance robot depends on the presence of tagged sharks. While the 2028 Olympics provide a deadline for the project, Lowe intends for the program to extend beyond the Games.