Sunday, November 24, 2024

LED Lighting Could Help Reduce Shark Attacks on Surfers

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Researchers from Australia’s Macquarie University have proposed an innovative safety solution for surfers amidst concerns of shark attacks, utilizing LED lights to deter these predators. A study led by Dr. Laura Ryan observed shark behavior over six years, revealing that brightly lit surfboards may effectively reduce the chances of mistaken identity that often leads to attacks. This concept is inspired by the plainfin midshipman fish, which evades predators using light patterns on its body. Experimentation with decoy sharks illuminated with LED lights showed a significant decrease in shark encounters, prompting future designs for surfboard prototypes. While practical concerns about making surfboards entirely LED-lit remain, ongoing research aims to explore the efficacy of this technology in varying conditions and with different shark species. If successful, these methods could revolutionize ocean safety for surfers and beachgoers alike.

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