Can Lighting Reduce the Risk of Shark Attacks?

Researchers at Macquarie University in Australia have found that bands of light could potentially deter shark attacks, particularly by Great White sharks, which rely heavily on their vision to identify prey. A recent study published in Current Biology demonstrated that horizontal lights, when attached to decoys, effectively altered the sharks’ perception of silhouettes, leading to fewer attacks. However, the researchers caution that using bright lights on devices like surfboards may not be practical due to energy requirements. The team plans further testing on different shark species, such as bull and tiger sharks, to assess the effectiveness of lighting as a deterrent. In 2023, there were 69 reported unprovoked shark attacks globally, with Australia and Florida being the most affected regions.