Role Title: Coastal Features Upgrade Research Intern
Organisation: Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
Internship Period: Winter (June - July)
Location: 14 Capo D’Orlando Drive, South Fremantle, WA
WA’s shark hazard mitigation strategy is one of the most comprehensive approaches in the country, with a range of tools and actions to help keep ocean users and our coastal communities as safe as possible.
DPIRD is currently in the process of replacing systems with a modern, cloud-based solution. This new system aims to deliver more reliable, up-to-date shark activity data and critical public safety alerts, potentially saving lives.
As part of this upgrade, the Coastal Features (CF) dataset used to communicate shark activity locations is being reviewed. It includes geographic features off the WA coast, such as beaches, bays, and points, and area groupings to broadly describe the whole coastline.
Throughout the internship, students will be working alongside the Shark Response Unit conducting research to update the Costal Features dataset with the aim of delivering maps that span the WA coastline suitable for stakeholders and the general public to us.
This CF dataset plays a key role in the SharkSmart WA app and website, including its push notification feature.
We work to develop and protect Western Australia’s agriculture and food sector and aquatic resources, and build vibrant regions with strong economies.