Great White Sharks Can Be Distracted by 'Invisibility Cloak' to Prevent Attacks

Australian scientists are developing a revolutionary “invisibility cloak” for surfers to evade great white sharks, based on research conducted over six years in South Africa’s coastal waters. Led by Dr. Laura Ryan and Professor Nathan Hart from Macquarie University, the study revealed that LED lights could effectively deter shark attacks by disrupting the sharks’ ability to recognize silhouettes, which is crucial for their hunting. Experiments involving illuminated decoys mimicking seals showed that specific patterns of lights, particularly stripes running perpendicular to their movement, significantly reduced the likelihood of sharks approaching. Although South African authorities did not allow surfboard-shaped decoys for safety reasons, the researchers aim to create a surfboard prototype embedded with LEDs, offering potential for a non-lethal shark deterrent. The team remains cautious about the effectiveness of this approach on other shark species, as they may not rely as heavily on visual cues as great whites.

Great White Sharks Can Be Distracted by ‘Invisibility Cloak’ to Prevent Attacks

Weekly Outdoor Update | November 13, 2024

Festive Lights Mark the Start of the Holiday Season in Mt. Pleasant

LED Retrofits: An Intelligent, Eco-Friendly Choice That Benefits Businesses

Shining a Light on India’s Future: Upcoming Light and LED Expo 2024