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Shark barrier back on the beach

Shark barrier back

The inventor of WA’s first shark barrier – reinstalled at Coogee Beach on Thursday – has fielded interest from as far abroad as Saudi Arabia.

Kingsley father-of-three Craig Moss hoped up to five WA beaches would eventually be adorned with his Eco Shark Barrier but said he was frustrated by a lack of government support.

The Barnett Government has knocked back a City of Cockburn request to co-fund the $85,000-a-year Coogee Beach trial.

The barrier received acclaim during an initial four-month trial last summer, with no reported damage to marine life and positive feedback from swimmers.

The City of Cockburn has extended the trial for another three years while beachfront councils in South Australia and NSW are keen in taking the technology east.

Mr Moss said there had also been preliminary talks with officials from Saudi Arabia and Reunion Island, east of Madagascar.

“I’m not going to stop in WA,” Mr Moss, who remortgaged his home to raise the more than $1 million needed to bring his idea to life, said.

“Everybody was wrapped with it (last year), the community absolutely loved it.

“I saw school buses come from all across the metro area that would never usually come to the beach for their lessons.

“A lot of people feel comfortable to come here and do their laps, swim at the beach instead of going to the pool.”

Footage of the Eco Shark Barrier reinstallation this week will be used in a planned documentary by WA marine scientist Amanda Elizabeth.

The so far untitled documentary will explore shark mitigation strategies and environmentally-friendly technology, with a strong focus on WA. It will feature navy diver Paul de Gelder, who was attacked in Sydney Harbour by a bull shark that bit off his arm and leg.