A New Device May Prevent The Hooking Of Millions Of Sharks

FILE - Blacktip reef sharks (Carcharhinus melanopterus) evolving under the surface in the lagoon of Moorea, January 24, 2021, French Polynesia, Pacific Ocean. PHOTO BY ALEXIS ROSENFELD/GETTY IMAGES

With the use of a novel electrically pulsed device, millions of sharks could be prevented from being trapped on fishing hooks. 

SharkGuard is a gadget that attaches to fishing longlines and generates an electrical field around a baited hook. Sharks and rays pick up these signals with their electroreceptors and are discouraged from biting.