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Bright Lights, Safer Waves: A New Solution To Reduce Shark Attacks
In a groundbreaking study published recently, marine scientist Dr. Laura Ryan and her team have developed a non-lethal shark deterrent system utilizing LED lights on surfboard-shaped decoys. The innovative solution aims to reduce the risk of shark attacks on watercraft users.
Researchers placed seal-shaped decoys in the water, which were either left in their basic form or had various light configurations applied. Notably, the results showed that when these decoys became brighter, great white sharks were less likely to approach and attack them. The study also highlighted that not all light designs are created equal. While flashing lights had little impact and longitudinal stripes were ineffective, the researchers found that creating a striped pattern of LED lights across the decoy’s surface perpendicular to the direction of motion was highly successful.
The findings demonstrate that by breaking down the silhouette of seals into smaller visual fragments, it is possible to confuse sharks and prevent them from recognizing these decoys as prey. According to Dr. Hart, this effect can be likened to an “invisibility cloak” for surfboards. The study has significant implications, particularly in light of the recent rise in shark attacks globally.
While the research did not directly test lights on actual surfboards, the findings suggest that a similar principle could apply to watercraft. In fact, Dr. Ryan and her team are now working on integrating LED lights into surfboard prototypes to further investigate their effectiveness. This next phase will involve testing whether the lights remain effective when the surfboard is stationary in the water, such as when a surfer waits for a wave.
The study’s results have significant potential to improve the safety of watercraft users, particularly surfers and other individuals who frequent shark-prone areas. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that different species may respond differently to this technology. The researchers believe their findings could be applied to bull sharks and tiger sharks, but there is no guarantee that these species will rely on visual cues in the same manner as great whites.
While further research is required before implementation, this breakthrough offers a beacon of hope for those who find themselves sharing the ocean with predators.
Source: www.forbes.com
