Turn your own drone into a Shark-Detecting Early Warning System
The SharkNark ™ app and wearable work with your drone to detect sharks and alert you in the water.
Welcome to SharkNark ™
Surfing is pure joy — but if you’re like me, stepping into the ocean comes with a little shark anxiety. I’ve spent years imagining ways for humans and sharks to coexist without fear… and I think I finally found one.
Introducing SharkNark™ — a non-invasive aerial sentry that gives you peace of mind during any ocean activity. Drones spot sharks long before we can. At water level, sharks appear only when they choose. From above, they’re easily visible by the drone when cruising near the surface, and the drone remains out of earshot.
Our mission is simple: reduce human–shark encounters with early detection, not harm. Old methods often resulted in the death of sharks. With SharkNark™, sharks get to be sharks — in their home — while you stay informed and safer.
I know sharks are usually just passing through and maybe a little curious….but an early heads-up? I’ll take it. Wouldn’t you?
— Aaron, Founder & Inventor
Drone View vs Sea Level Perspective
Drones have the aerial view advantage for shark spotting. Over the years drones have shined a spotlight on these ”men in gray suits“. Now we know that sharks are swimming around us more than we care to admit...
BUT
Even your bestfriend can't come fly a drone for you every time you go surfing or swimming. Using the help of object detection, a branch of AI, human eyes behind the screen are no longer necessary. The SharkNark ™ will be your 'personal aerial sentry' that will alert you in realtime if a shark is in your vicinity.
'I don't surf without it!' -Betty, 60 years and counting of ripping experience
This video aims to demonstrate the ultimate goal we hope to achieve. SharkNark ™ is so easy to use even your grandma can use it. SharkNark version one is BYOD (bring your own drone). Drone compatibility is discussed in the FAQ section on the "About" page link found at the top of this page.
Currently, the system involves a compatible DJI drone, the SharkNark app, a Bluetooth to LoRa gateway node (BLG node), and a custom waterproof wearable with drone controls. Btw, yes, this video was created with the help of AI. Not trying to trick anybody! Or maybe Betty's real? Hmmm....
My first real session and very impressed the alert was not triggered by a dolphin.
Our first SharkNark patrol went well. There’s nothing quite like the moment a fin pops up next to you in the water — your heart skips, then relief kicks in when you realize it’s a dolphin.
Even with moderate turbidity, SharkNark was able to tell the difference between a shark and a dolphin. One of the key visual clues is tail motion: dolphins move their tails up and down, while sharks move their tails side to side.
That distinction matters because, from above, a dolphin on its side can sometimes look shark-like to a drone camera. This patrol helped us test how SharkNark can use movement patterns and visual cues to reduce false alerts and give ocean users better situational awareness.
SharkNark™ — your personal watchtower in the sky.
SharkNark ™ for Swimmers
Swimmers seem especially vulnerable. This clip was captured by Brian Barauskas, a talent in visual and musical art - see for yourself @brianbarauskas. If anyone knows of a swimnming group that could use this system, we can be contacted at support@sharknark.com.
Future versions of SharkNark ™ will be able to broadcast the alert to many wearables, so groups of people can be alerted using one drone. Learn more in the for Business section.
Snorkeling Adventures with an Added Layer of Awareness
Let SharkNark be your smoke alarm for the sea. While your family snorkels, SharkNark patrols overhead, adding an extra layer of awareness to your adventure.
The Anchored Square - An excellent patrol shape for ocean activities in need of 360 degree coverage.
Ideal for snorkelers, swimmers, kayakers, and spear fisherman.
Three patrol sizes to choose from.
Join the SharkNark Pilot Program!
Email us if you are interested becoming part of our pilot program - spots are limited! Currently, there are a few remaining for both personal and enterprise clients.
