Drones to monitor crocs at Aussie beaches

CANBERRA: An Australian state is trialling the use of drones at popular beaches to keep beachgoers safe from crocodiles.

The initial plan is for three latest-model drones to spot the deadly predators in beaches between Mission Beach and Port Douglas in north-eastern Queensland, state Environment Minister Leeanne Enoch said on July 13.

Lifeguards are being trained to use the machines and will pass on any crocodile activity in the area to local wildlife officers, with the state government setting aside A$105,000 (RM313,923) to cover the project.

“This funding will not only help (lifesavers) manage beach-goer safety, but the information collected will help our government learn more about crocodile movements and patterns of behaviour when observed near beaches,” local lawmaker Craig Crawford said.

Native saltwater crocodiles are highly mobile and often use oceans to travel long distances between estuaries.

The state government has said 84 “problem” crocodiles were removed from northern coastal waters in 2017, as part of the three-year-long Queensland crocodile management plan launched last year.

Crocodiles are protected animals in Australia, with those larger than five metres in length given an “iconic” status.

Authorities investigated eight unlawful deaths of crocodiles last year, which resulted in three prosecutions.