New Solutions Discovered for Surfers: Introducing the ‘Invisibility Cloak’

Researchers have found that attaching bright LED lights to surfboards could significantly reduce the risk of great white shark attacks on surfers and swimmers. In a study published in Current Biology, Dr. Laura Ryan from Macquarie University led a six-year investigation in South Africa, revealing that illuminating the underside of surfboards disrupts the silhouette perceived by sharks, making humans less recognizable as prey. The team discovered that brighter lights, particularly those arranged in horizontal stripes, were most effective at deterring sharks, as they altered the visual outline that sharks associate with seals. With plans to prototype LED-embedded surfboards and kayaks, researchers aim to provide a non-lethal method for shark deterrence while ensuring safety for ocean users. Further studies will explore the effectiveness of this approach on other shark species, offering hope for a safer coexistence between humans and sharks.