'Invisible Fence' Pitched To Combat Sharks On Cape Cod

BARNSTABLE, MA — Barnstable County commissioners this week heard a pitch for a possible shark deterrent that involves driving seals from Cape Cod waters. The plan, presented by Deep Blue LLC, calls for installing an acoustic system that would act as an "invisible fence," emitting an unpleasant sound that only seals can hear, according to the Associated Press.

The devices would be set up on buoys off of popular beach areas. Proponents of the plan believe if the sharks' prey are driven away, the sharks will follow, the AP reported. It was pitched as being similar to an "invisible fence" for dogs, only instead of keeping the seals in, it would keep them out.

But not everyone is sold on the plan. Animal rights activists said seals have found ways around similar systems elsewhere, and the noise has negatively impacted other marine animals.

Officials on Cape Cod are examining advanced methods of improving shark safety, including sonar buoys, drones and nets, in the wake of last year's shark attacks. The final report from consulting firm Woods Hole Group is expected to be released in September.