In brief
In a pioneering study conducted in Mossel Bay, South Africa, researchers from Macquarie University experimented with seal-shaped boards equipped with various LED light configurations to determine their effectiveness in attracting shark attention. This innovative approach aimed to distort the boards' silhouettes on the ocean's surface, making it more difficult for great whites to detect surfers against the backdrop of sunlight. Notably, the study highlights the potential of these lights as a non-invasive alternative to traditional shark deterrents like nets and drones.
Great white sharks are typically responsible for the majority of human bite fatalities, as they often approach prey from below. Lead researcher Laura Ryan explained that surfers' silhouettes could be mistaken for seals, which are common prey. The team is now considering the effectiveness of LED lighting against other species known for human attacks, such as bull sharks and tiger sharks.Despite a record of 69 unprovoked shark bites in 2023, with ten being fatal, most of these incidents occur during surfing and similar activities. The study, published in Current Biology, tested three different LED light intensities and found that the brightest, horizontally-aligned lights were less likely to attract sharks. The researchers underscored the critical role of a darker silhouette against a lighter background in shaping predatory behavior among great whites, suggesting this could pave the way for new, safer shark deterrent technologies. Interestingly, the study noted that while some shark species are attracted to bright reflective objects, great whites showed less interest in the most visible lights. Next steps will involve developing prototype lighting strips for further testing on surfboards and kayaks, promising a potential breakthrough in shark safety.Shark Safety, Surfing, LED technology, Shark deterrent technology, Marine research
