February 7, 2019 – Ocean Guardian claims its patent-pending eSpear is the world’s first handheld electrical shark deterrent for use while diving, snorkelling and spearfishing. The Australian company has launched an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign to expedite the product’s development.

The eSpear will feature a trigger-activated extendable baton, allowing the user to create an electrical field up to 1 m in diameter and 2.5 m in length, to prevent an unwanted shark encounter. Available in five colours (aquamarine, electric yellow, ocean blue, carbon black and pewter grey), it can be attached to a swimsuit, dive belt or swim trunks.

The campaign began on Feb. 4. Ocean Guardian hopes its independently tested Shark Shield Technology (see video)—newly geared for everyday swimmers in a handheld format, with a recommended retail price (RRP) of $299AU—will help lead to longer-range applications and the removal of shark nets and drum lines, which can trap and kill the animals, rather than safely deter them from beaches and other swimming areas.

“We’re excited to enable people to help mitigate their fear of sharks and enjoy the ocean, while helping save marine life,” says Ocean Guardian CEO Lindsay Lyon. “We are seeking to raise capital to partner with one of Australia’s leading universities to develop long-range shark deterrent technology.”

“We need to all work together to protect our oceans, but also have the confidence to share them with marine life,” says shark scientist Amanda Elizabeth. “We are, after all, playing in their backyard.”