Yallingup surfing legend Taj Burrow has joined with Shark Mitigation Systems to become an ambassador for the Perth-based company’s shark deterrent and detection technologies.
The veteran surfer will work alongside the company to increase safety for surfers and swimmers and said the SMS technologies were both scientific and ethical.
“The company’s technologies use modern science to help protect marine life, while at the same time make the ocean safer for surfers and other beach users, and that’s got to be great news for all water users,” Burrow said.
“I am extremely excited to get involved with a company that is committed to keeping surfers and swimmers safe.”
Following two recent fatal shark attacks off the WA coast, Shark Mitigation Systems’ visual shark deterrent products, such as wetsuits and surf crafts as well as their near-shore detection system, Clever Buoy are expected to garner much interest from professionals and amateurs alike.
Co-founder Craig Anderson said recruiting an ambassador of such high regard in the surfing community was a huge win for the company.
“As a surfing legend, Taj knows better than anyone the risks of competing in and appreciating the ocean, and the importance of sharing the ocean with its natural inhabitants,” Mr Anderson said.
“Millions of people globally enjoy the beach and the ocean every year, and our aim is to keep them safer through the use of clever technology.
Successful trials of the Clever Buoy detection system, which utilises sonar and newly developed software to detect shark-like movement and warn nearby beachgoers, has led to a push to commercialise the units for wider use on Australian beaches.
Visual deterrent wetsuits have also been developed in partnership with the University of Western Australia.
Burrow is hoping to cap off his 18-year world championship career at the Fiji Pro, where he continues to show top form despite his recent announcement that the event would be his last on the Championship Tour.
Burrow broke the news of his decision to make Fiji his last professional event while he was on home soil for the 2016 Margaret River Pro.
A world title contender since his first appearance on tour in 1998, Burrow and girlfriend Rebecca welcomed their first child in 2015, prompting the surfer to reassess his commitment to professional surfing.
Nicky Lefebvre
I am a journalist, photographer and content creator based in the beautiful Margaret River wine region, covering all aspects of our community including local news, sport, entertainment and events, as well as providing a platform for our readers to share their voices direct from regional Australia.
I am a journalist, photographer and content creator based in the beautiful Margaret River wine region, covering all aspects of our community including local news, sport, entertainment and events, as well as providing a platform for our readers to share their voices direct from regional Australia.
