LED Lights Installed on Surfboard Undersides Could Help Prevent Great White Shark Attacks

New research from Australia suggests that using LED lighting on the underside of surfboards and kayaks may help deter great white shark attacks. In a study conducted in Mossel Bay, South Africa, scientists discovered that strategically placed lights disrupted the sharks’ ability to perceive silhouettes against the sunlight, leading to decreased rates of attacks on seal-shaped decoys. The effectiveness of the lights increased with their brightness, and the use of horizontal stripes was found to alter the perceived shape of the decoy, making it less recognizable as a seal. Lead author Dr. Laura Ryan from Macquarie University explained that the great whites rely on contrasting visual cues for hunting. The study highlights the potential for further research on static decoys resembling surfers and the applicability of this lighting method to deter other shark species.

LED Lights Installed on Surfboard Undersides Could Help Prevent Great White Shark Attacks

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