SYDNEY: Testing of aerial drones to track the movements of sharks in Australian waters began on Wednesday as the government admitted there was “no easy way” to protect swimmers from the predators.

The trials began at Coffs Harbour, on the mid-north coast of New South Wales state which has endured 13 attacks by the creatures this year, including one lethal mauling.

“There is no easy way to reduce risks for swimmers and surfers,” New South Wales Primary Industries Minister Niall Blair said in a statement.

“We are delivering on a commitment to test the best science available, including new technologies, as we try to find an effective long-term solution to keep our beaches safe.”The drones are expected to feed live images back to an operator, including GPS coordinates, to better warn and protect people from shark attacks.

Blair said the trials were the first of several to be undertaken during the summer months, including testing “smart” drum lines which he said not only hooked sharks but alerted authorities who could then tag and release the animals.

Baited hooks attached to floating drums were used to capture sharks in Western Australia in 2014 after a string of fatalities, with the largest of the animals put down.

Published in Dawn, November 26th, 2015