After more than two years in development and with a $300,000 grant from the Western Australia government a device built into surf boards could prevent shark attacks, such as the Kiama incident last week.

Electrical shark deterrents have been in use by divers for some years but the technology as been adapted to a surf board so as not to impede performance of the surfer. Former World Surf Champion Tom Carroll has helped in the design.

Sydney-based shark expert and marine biologist Ian Gordon, who has no commercial interest in the product, believes the Shark Shield deterrent will for the first time empower surfers to take responsibility for their actions when they surf in more remote areas.

The presenter of numerous shark television documentaries said, "We are not going to see an end to attacks but we are going to see a group of more responsible people going and doing the sport that they love greatly and with more confidence."