Much of the recent research into shark bycatch reduction technology has focused on the unusual sensory abilities of these animals. Sharks and their relatives can detect electromagnetic fields, which can be exploited to keep sharks away from baited fishing hooks.
“Laboratory and field experiments have demonstrated that magnets and electropositive metals can have a repellent effect on sharks,” says Aurelie Cosandey-Godin, a postdoctoral researcher at Dalhousie University. Thus, applying magnets or electropositive metals to fishing hooks can help keep sharks away from the gear without affecting how many of the target species are caught.
via Gizmodo
