Shark Shield Andy Brandy Casgrande Interview

Shark Shield Andy Brandy Casgrande Interview

Shark Shield is the world's only proven and independently tested electrical shark deterrent designed to reduce the risk of an unwanted shark encounter.

The Shark Shield range of electrical shark deterrents are the result of over twenty years of scientific research by some of the world's leading experts in sharks. These included the KwaZulu-Natal Shark Board in South Africa, which has resulted in an extensive portfolio of patents protecting the company product range and markets.

The technology behind Shark Shield devices sends pulses from the electrodes that interfere with the shark's electroreceptor system, located in the shark's snout. This results in muscular spasms and levels of discomfort to the shark, but does not harm it.

Scientific tests of the Shark Shield, conducted using bait to attract sharks and under strictly controlled variables have shown that the Shark Shield reduces the chance of the shark moving closer than several meters from the device.

Over the years they continue to innovate and expand their product range, now offering products to suit most ocean users including; surfers, long boarders, snorkelers, scuba divers, free divers, ocean swimmers, kayakers as well as general boating and fishing activities.

Lindsay Lyon, Director of Shark Shield says, 'We are focused on the environmental welfare of the ocean and its inhabitants. We believe that Shark Shield can reduce the culling of sharks directly by ultimately replacing shark nets, and indirectly by protecting all types of ocean users. These devices have no long-term effect on sharks or indeed any other creature.

'Shark Shield is increasing the levels of participation in water sports and we help make peoples working environment much safer – we provide peace of mind for individuals, families and employees so everyone can enjoy the world's oceans," said Lindsay.

Further information regarding Shark Shield is available at: www.sharkshield.com

Interview with Andy Brandy Casgrande

Andy Brandy Casagrande IV, Emmy Award winning cinematographer, producer and TV host will be arriving in Perth. Accompanied by his production team, Andy will take to the water in search of sharks, something most Australian's would choose to avoid at all costs.

This Australian summer has seen an increase in shark sightings and some of Sydney's most popular beaches closed, one for a record 10 days. Over the last 50 years unprovoked shark attacks have increased by close to 300% and continue to rise.

Andy, also known as ABC4 says, 'I've been reading about the increase in shark sightings in Australia prior to the trip and it hasn't deterred myself and the team from getting into the water at all. Obviously we are out there looking for sharks, but there are a number of things you can do to protect yourself from an attack.

'It's all about education and having the right equipment. For us we trust Shark Shield to protect us from an attack, while also being sensible and respectful of the sharks environment while in their territory," said Andy.

Shark Shield is the world's only independently tested and proven electric personal shark deterrent system. The technology behind the range of products is the result of over twenty years of scientific research by some of the world's leading shark experts.

Lindsay Lyon, Director of Shark Shield explains, 'Shark Shield significantly reduces the risk of shark attack and also the need for culling of sharks in this country."

Shark Shield devices work by sending pulses from the electrodes that interfere with the shark's electroreceptor system, located in the shark's snout. This results in muscular spasms and levels of discomfort to the shark, but does not harm it.

'Shark Shield is increasing the levels of participation in water sports and helping to make peoples working environment much safer. We provide peace of mind for individuals, families and employees so everyone can enjoy the world's oceans," concludes Lindsay.

Question: Why have you decided to come to Australia to search for sharks?

Andy Brandy Casgrande: We're capturing some footage in Esperance, West Australia for an upcoming shark documentary. We're investigating some of the controversies going on surrounding sharks and humans and the basic co-existing of the two.


Question: Where will you be searching for sharks, in Australian waters?

Andy Brandy Casgrande: We'll be searching for sharks in Esperance, Western Australia on this trip but we have been all over Australia from Exmouth to the Neptunes in South Australia and Sydney.


Question: What is Shark Shield?

Andy Brandy Casgrande: Shark Shield is the world's only proven and independently tested electrical shark deterrent designed to reduce the risk of an unwanted shark encounter.

The technology behind Shark Shield devices sends pulses from the electrodes that interfere with the shark's electroreceptor system, located in the shark's snout. This result in muscular spasms and levels of discomfort to the shark, but does not harm it.


Question: How do you use Shark Shield?

Andy Brandy Casgrande: The Shark Shield unit is strapped to your ankle as you dive. We used the Shark Shield Freedom7 as it has been scientifically proven and provides me and the rest of the team peace of mind when we are diving.

Question: Can you talk about why you decided to use Shark Shield?

Andy Brandy Casgrande: We decided to use Shark Shield as it give us piece of mind and we know that we'll be protected from any potential attacks. We also know that the device doesn't have any long term effects on sharks or any other living creature for that matter, so we know that we're not harming them which is really important.


Question: Can you talk us through the most important information and equipment when waters were sharks have been seen, before?

Andy Brandy Casgrande: The most important thing to note when in waters with sharks is… Be smart & avoid obviously dangerous situations - like diving in murky water where large predatory animals are hunting. If you must work in sharky areas uses cages & safety-divers & if available SharkShields.


Interview by Brooke Hunter