Austinn Lane, Yorke Peninsula Country Times

A large bronze whaler shark was spotted at the recent Berry Bay Surf Jam on southern Yorke Peninsula, thanks to drone technology.

South Australian Shark Watch founding director, Anton Covino took drones to the event to test their potential for monitoring shark activity.

“They are very effective and that was evident on the weekend as we spotted a shark,” he said.

“We were able to radio and apply the protocol in place and have all people evacuated in under one minute. Then we were able to identify it was a six-foot (1.8 metre long) bronze whaler shark.”

Drones could also help identify if a shark was alone or in a group, and if it had markings.

“They allow us to have a much better field of view by having eyes in the air, and we can cover a large area in a very fast amount of time,” Mr Covino said.

“We can go from one kilometre north of the coast to one kilometre south of the coast in around 30 seconds.”

Mr Covino said he could adjust the flying height of the drone to allow him to see a large area of coastline and create a protected zone for beachgoers.

“Our next step would include commercialisation, and hopefully scoring some contracts to help around SA.”

“We believe this is an absolute necessity in South Australia and we are happy to slot in independently and work with companies and schools.”

Mr Covino said bringing more people on board was a possibility in the future as the organisation expanded around the state, including to regions further away such as the Eyre Peninsula and Limestone Coast.

“All this work is part of our long-term pledge to the community to keep everyone safe from sharks in the water,” he said.

Mr Covino was recognised for his work with Shark Watch when he was presented with a community award at the BBSJ presentation night.

Corny Point citizen scientist Lochie Cameron was also recognised as he was awarded for his work in monitoring and acting on the algal bloom across southern YP.

With the goal of taking care of the place he has always called home, he has spent countless hours studying and learning about the algal bloom, and is leading the fight against the bloom on Yorke Peninsula.

Mr Covino said he and Mr Cameron had the freedom to act independently on the causes close to their hearts.

“The greatest thing about what I do is connecting with other legends like Lochie, who share a similar pursuit in change, and aren’t being chained to political hierarchy structures that prevent us from flourishing in a purpose driven assignment,” Mr Covino said.

Read more about Mr Cameron’s contributions in Yorkes Magazine, included in this week’s edition of the Yorke Peninsula Country Times.

This article appeared in Yorke Peninsula Country Times, 24 March 2026.