Helicopters being used to spot sharks

The Government of Western
Australia has announced helicopter shark patrols will begin along Perth beaches. The
announcement was made by the Premier of WA, Colin Barnett and that the state
government will fund the helicopter patrols for the next few weeks.

Helicopter patrols will begin on
24 October, this will be a temporary arrangement until the beginning of
November when Surf Life Saving’s helicopter arrives in Perth.

The Premier said the government is also
looking at extending aerial patrols to Rottnest Island
and the south west.

Helicopters are more expensive than fixed-wing
aircraft which are also used for shark patrols but helicopters are more
effective in spotting sharks in the water. They can also monitor their movements in the water,
hover above the shark and are also useful in the event of an emergency.

Perth will be in the spotlight later this week as it hosts
the 2011 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) starting on 28
October.