Monday, December 2, 2024

Study Suggests LED Lights May Help Deter Shark Attacks on Surfers

Posted in
on
A recent study published in Current Biology highlights the predatory behavior of great white sharks, which are responsible for the majority of fatal shark bites on humans, particularly in surfing scenarios. The lead researcher, Laura Ryan, noted that great whites often attack from below, mistaking surfers for seals due to their color blindness. The study investigated the potential of LED lights to deter not only great white sharks but also other dangerous species such as bull and tiger sharks. Findings revealed that the brightest horizontally aligned lights were less likely to attract great whites, suggesting that altering a surfer’s silhouette in the water could serve as a non-invasive shark deterrent. The researchers are currently developing prototype lighting strips for testing on surfboards and kayaks to enhance safety for water sports enthusiasts. In 2023, there were 69 unprovoked shark bites worldwide, with 10 resulting in fatalities.

Read More