Animal sensing systems and methods are described. An animal sensing system can include an input section with an entrance and an output section having at least two output paths each having its own exit. An animal can enter the animal sensing system through the entrance. A sensor within a sensing area of the input section can detect one or more characteristics of the animal, and can communicate the detected characteristic(s) to a central processing unit. The central processing unit can use the received data to classify the animal based on the detected characteristic(s), and then control a directional guide, such as a gate, in the animal sensing system on the basis of the classification, so as to direct the animal within the animal sensing system, such as to allow access to only one of the output paths at a time. The animal may thus be allowed to exit the animal sensing system through only one output path, directing the animal to a desired location based on the classification.

A water intake and pretreatment system (10) comprising an inlet for delivering water from a natural source to a reservoir (12); said inlet to reservoir having a net screen (16) to prevent entry of organisms above a predetermined size and including a one-way gate (30) to allow organisms to exit the reservoir; said reservoir further comprising a granular filter media for water and algae filtration; and a drainage layer for removal of filtered water from the granular filter media to a drainage outlet. A local backwashing apparatus (40) is included for localized backwashing of the granular filter media.

A water intake and pretreatment system (10) comprising an inlet for delivering water from a natural source to a reservoir (12); said inlet to reservoir having a net screen (16) to prevent entry of organisms above a predetermined size and including a one-way gate (30) to allow organisms to exit the reservoir; said reservoir further comprising a granular filter media for water and algae filtration; and a drainage layer for removal of filtered water from the granular filter media to a drainage outlet. A local backwashing apparatus (40) is included for localized backwashing of the granular filter media.

A geofenced autonomous aquatic drone for repelling sharks from a shoreline. The drone employs a buoyant housing resembling a portion of a predator such as an orca whale. A battery positioned within the drone is recharged through a floating inductive charging station. A transmitter unit coupled to at least one under water transducer introduces certain sounds, such as reproduction of orca whale or dolphin calling sounds. A propulsion system controlled a microprocessor receives location information via DGPS for providing a geofence around an area to be patrolled. The drone travels within the geofence area, monitored by the DGPS receiver, while said transducer produces certain sounds and or a solution of shark repellant is dispensed.

A geofenced autonomous aquatic drone for repelling sharks from a shoreline. The drone employs a buoyant housing resembling a portion of a predator such as an orca whale. A battery positioned within the drone is recharged through a floating inductive charging station. A transmitter unit coupled to at least one under water transducer introduces certain sounds, such as reproduction of orca whale or dolphin calling sounds. A propulsion system controlled a microprocessor receives location information via DGPS for providing a geofence around an area to be patrolled. The drone travels within the geofence area, monitored by the DGPS receiver, while said transducer produces certain sounds and or a solution of shark repellant is dispensed.

A water intake and pretreatment system (10) comprising an inlet for delivering water from a natural source to a reservoir (12); said inlet to reservoir having a net screen (16) to prevent entry of organisms above a predetermined size and including a one-way gate (30) to allow organisms to exit the reservoir; said reservoir further comprising a granular filter media for water and algae filtration; and a drainage layer for removal of filtered water from the granular filter media to a drainage outlet. A local backwashing apparatus 40) is included for localized backwashing of the granular filter media.

A water intake and pretreatment system (10) comprising an inlet for delivering water from a natural source to a reservoir (12); said inlet to reservoir having a net screen (16) to prevent entry of organisms above a predetermined size and including a one-way gate (30) to allow organisms to exit the reservoir; said reservoir further comprising a granular filter media for water and algae filtration; and a drainage layer for removal of filtered water from the granular filter media to a drainage outlet. A local backwashing apparatus 40) is included for localized backwashing of the granular filter media.

A submersible (10) and method of using a submersible for capturing a target species comprising: at least one controllable thruster (14) for manoeuvring the submersible; at least one camera (12) for capturing images to allow the identification of an individual of a target species; a catapult mechanism (33) wherein the catapult mechanism is reversibly moveable between a released configuration and a primed configuration by an activatable motor, and wherein the catapult mechanism may be loaded with a retractable device mounted on the catapult mechanism, and the retractable device may be launched from the submersible by being propelled by the catapult mechanism; a container for receiving a captured individual.

A submersible (10) and method of using a submersible for capturing a target species comprising: at least one controllable thruster (14) for manoeuvring the submersible; at least one camera (12) for capturing images to allow the identification of an individual of a target species; a catapult mechanism (33) wherein the catapult mechanism is reversibly moveable between a released configuration and a primed configuration by an activatable motor, and wherein the catapult mechanism may be loaded with a retractable device mounted on the catapult mechanism, and the retractable device may be launched from the submersible by being propelled by the catapult mechanism; a container for receiving a captured individual.

Animal sensing systems and methods are described. An animal sensing system can include an input section with an entrance and an output section having at least two output paths each having its own exit. An animal can enter the animal sensing system through the entrance. A sensor within a sensing area of the input section can detect one or more characteristics of the animal, and can communicate the detected characteristic(s) to a central processing unit. The central processing unit can use the received data to classify the animal based on the detected characteristic(s), and then control a directional guide, such as a gate, in the animal sensing system on the basis of the classification, so as to direct the animal within the animal sensing system, such as to allow access to only one of the output paths at a time. The animal may thus be allowed to exit the animal sensing system through only one output path, directing the animal to a desired location based on the classification.