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FAU Innovation Pilot Award Supports Shark Bycatch Solution

Stephen Kajiura, Ph.D., recipient of the FAU Innovation Pilot Award. (Photo by Alex Dolce)

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̽����Ƶ’s��Office of Technology Development within the Division of Research has announced the latest recipient of its Innovation Pilot Award Program, furthering the university’s commitment to transforming early-stage research into technologies with societal and commercial impact.

Established in 2024, the Innovation Pilot Award Program provides seed funding to FAU researchers to advance innovative ideas, develop prototypes, and generate proof-of-concept data that attract industry partners and external investors. With awards ranging from $500 to $15,000, the program is designed to bridge the critical gap between research discovery and commercial application, accelerating solutions that benefit the public and the environment.

This year’s $15,000 award has been granted to , Ph.D., a professor of within FAU’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, for his pioneering work on a patent-pending shark deterrent device aimed at reducing bycatch in commercial longline fisheries.

Shark bycatch – a persistent global problem – occurs when millions of sharks are unintentionally caught while fisheries target tuna, swordfish and other species. In United States waters, sharks are often caught on longlines and discarded dead. Because sharks grow and reproduce slowly, these high bycatch rates threaten already vulnerable populations, disrupt marine ecosystems, and pose safety risks to fishing crews. Additionally, caught sharks can damage gear, occupy baited hooks, and reduce the catch of economically valuable target species, resulting in financial losses for fishermen.

Kajiura’s innovation provides a cost-effective, practical solution. His device, which attaches to a fishing hook, utilizes a combination of zinc and graphite to create a galvanic electric field in seawater that selectively repels sharks from baited hooks while leaving target species unaffected. Field tests have shown that the device can reduce shark catch rates by up to 69%, offering a unique and environmentally responsible tool for commercial fisheries.

Unlike other deterrents, which can be expensive or difficult to use, this approach leverages sharks’ natural electrosensory system, creating a targeted, efficient solution that can increase both the ecological sustainability and profitability of fishing operations.

“The beauty of this innovation is in its simplicity and selectivity,” said  Dana Vouglitois, senior associate director of FAU’s Office of Technology Development. “By understanding sharks’ unique electrosensory capabilities, Dr. Kajiura and his team have created a solution that is practical for commercial use, scalable, and has the potential to make a real difference for both conservation and industry.”

Kajiura’s project extends beyond the lab, incorporating rigorous field trials and engagement with commercial fishermen to ensure the device meets real-world needs. Ongoing work includes refining the prototype using CAD modeling, fabricating units through precision CNC milling, and testing them in active fishing operations in collaboration with industry partners. This iterative approach will provide critical data on efficacy, durability and usability, ensuring the final product is both effective and practical for widespread adoption.

“The Innovation Pilot Award provides critical support at a stage when our research can transition from a promising prototype to a market-ready solution,” said Kajiura. “We’re excited to continue testing the device with commercial fishermen, gather their feedback, and refine the design. This funding brings us closer to commercial production, protecting sharks while supporting sustainable fisheries worldwide.”

The commercial potential for this innovation is significant. The global longline fishing gear market was valued at approximately $2.5 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $4.1 billion by 2032, driven by rising seafood demand, fleet expansion, and investment in technology to improve efficiency and reduce bycatch.

“By offering an inexpensive, user-friendly solution that enhances catch efficiency and reduces environmental impact, Dr. Kajiura’s device is positioned to benefit both U.S. and international fisheries,” said Vouglitois.

FAU’s Innovation Pilot Award Program continues to foster high-impact research that blends scientific ingenuity with real-world applicability. By supporting early-stage innovations like Kajiura’s shark deterrent, the university is helping to create solutions that protect marine ecosystems, support commercial industries, and advance the translation of leading-edge research into market-ready technologies.

-FAU-

Tags: technology | faculty and staff | science | research