Global News - March 2008
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Military gadget 'could save dolphins and whales'
Mon 17 March 2008 13:30 UK — Marine Wildlife
Government scientists have developed a nautical version of cat's eyes which could prevent rare dolphins and whales being caught up in fishing nets.
A team from the UK's Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) said that the new system was originally developed to help guide warships through mine fields.
However, they explained that the device could also prevent rare marine creatures from getting trapped in fishing nets.
The new underwater cat's eyes reflect back sonar signals and can be used to mark an item's location.
As whales and dolphins use sonar to navigate, the team suggested that the cat's eye could be used to mark nets.
In the past, passive sonar systems have relied on toxic chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) housed in metal disks to bounce the sound back. The new gadget does not use the dangerous chemicals as its physical properties are powerful enough to send a decent "wave of sound" back to the sonar.
David Harris, head of technology transfer at the DSTL, said: "This is another example of DSTL technology being directed outside its original military application and making a difference."
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