Bright Surfboards as a New Way to Protect Against Sharks
Australian researchers from Macquarie University in Sydney have introduced a promising solution to reduce the risk of shark attacks on surfers — bright lighting on the underside of surfboards. This technology, developed by Dr. Laura Ryan, was tested in South Africa, a popular location for great white sharks. Nearly 500 hours were spent towing illuminated decoys that mimic seals, allowing scientists to observe how light strips confuse sharks, preventing them from identifying the object as prey.
How Does the Method Work and What Are Its Features?
Sharks are driven by natural instinct — they hunt based on the silhouette of their prey in low-light conditions. A surfboard, seen from below, often resembles a seal’s silhouette, triggering aggression. Light strips placed on the bottom of boards, as discovered by Dr. Ryan, help disorient sharks, making it difficult for them to accurately identify the object. Shark expert Riley Elliott noted that such visual manipulation may be effective since sharks tend to avoid objects that don’t appear to be natural prey.
At first glance, it might seem that bright lights would attract sharks, but the effect is quite the opposite. In nature, bioluminescence is often used as a deterrent, and sharks, with their developed sense of caution, tend to avoid unusual objects. Elliott emphasizes that while this method doesn’t guarantee absolute safety, it is important as a step toward reducing risk. Given the rarity of shark attacks, protective measures should be reasonable and cost-effective.
Next Steps and Future Prospects
This initiative highlights the importance of research aimed at harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife. In light of the serious threats to ocean ecosystems posed by the mass harvesting of sharks, methods like these help protect not only people but also work to shift public perception of sharks. These ancient creatures play a crucial role in maintaining ocean health, and thus the health of the entire planet.