Saturday, April 26, 2025

LED Lights Installed on Surfboards Could Help Deter Great White Sharks

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New research led by Australian scientists suggests that using LED lighting on the underside of surfboards and kayaks may help deter great white shark attacks by disrupting their ability to detect silhouettes against the sunlit surface of the water. The study, conducted in Mossel Bay, South Africa, demonstrated that illuminated decoys, particularly those with horizontal stripes, were less likely to be recognized as prey by sharks, reducing the rates of follow-ups and attacks. Lead author Dr. Laura Ryan from Macquarie University noted that great whites rely heavily on visual cues, particularly the contrast between dark objects and lighter backgrounds. By adapting surfboards with LED lighting, the researchers aim to enhance safety for surfers, particularly since most shark bites occur during board sports. The findings, published in Current Biology, also highlight the need for further research on how such lighting might affect interactions with other shark species known for attacking humans.

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