SharkEye: The Salesforce-Backed AI Initiative Revolutionizing Beach Safety for Swimmers

Artificial Intelligence: SharkEye Project to Safeguard Beachgoers

Salesforce is supporting an innovative AI initiative named SharkEye, designed to enhance safety for swimmers by monitoring the presence of sharks, one of the ocean’s most dangerous predators. While shark attacks are infrequent, the repercussions can be severe, often leading to fatal or life-altering injuries. Recently, a tragic incident in Australia accounted for the year’s eighth fatal shark attack—marking a record for the highest annual fatalities in nearly a century.

In Southern California, encounters with sharks are becoming more frequent as these creatures seek warmer waters near the shore. In response, researchers from the University of California alongside experts from San Diego State University have collaborated with Salesforce’s AI team to develop software capable of detecting sharks in popular coastal areas. Currently, shark monitoring relies on tracking tagged individuals via online systems or sporadic human observation from paddleboards—a method that’s inefficient and in need of technological advancement.

The SharkEye system utilizes drones that follow specific routes at approximately 120 feet above the water surface, efficiently surveying large oceanic expanses without disturbing marine ecosystems. Upon detecting a shark, alerts can be swiftly dispatched to lifeguards, surf instructors, and local residents, enabling prompt safety measures. Future enhancements may allow alerts to reach registered beachgoers and be disseminated through social media platforms.

This drone surveillance also contributes valuable data toward studying shark behavior. Researchers aspire to leverage information such as ocean temperatures and movement of other marine life to develop predictive models regarding when and where sharks may pose a threat to swimmers.

Although still in its pilot phase, SharkEye has undergone testing for the past two summers at Padaro Beach in Santa Barbara County. An incident this past summer raised concerns after a suspected shark bite occurred when drone operations were suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in only minor injuries. Tragically, just days later, a shark attack near Santa Cruz claimed the life of a 26-year-old man.

Shark-related incidents also often result in the hunting or harm of sharks, intended to protect human life. Therefore, utilizing AI to identify safer methodologies for coexistence between sharks and beachgoers represents a positive development in this field.

(Photo by Laura College on Unsplash)

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