This method is considered capable of curbing the shark’s desire to chase and prey on surfers.
Thursday, 14 Nov 2024 12:13:00 Scientists find a way to prevent surfers from being eaten by sharks (©Illustration created with ChatGPT)
Australian scientists have found a way to prevent surfers from being attacked by white sharks, namely by installing LED strip lights under surfboards. A study in Mossel Bay, South Africa used seal-shaped boards with different lights behind boats to find out which ones attracted white sharks the most.
Researchers from Macquarie University said the light changed the silhouette of their “bait” on the sea surface and limited the white sharks’ ability to see. Existing lights could also be a non-invasive way to restrain sharks, unlike nets or drones.
Laura Ryan, the lead researcher, revealed that the great white shark is the species that causes the most human deaths due to its bites, and often attacks its prey from below.
This means that sharks often mistake surfer silhouettes for seals. Quoting from BBCThursday (14/11), researchers said it was important to see whether LED lights were effective in deterring other shark species known to attack humans, including bull sharks and tiger sharks.
If you look at the statistics, there will be 69 unprovoked shark bites in the US, Australia and South Africa in 2023, and 10 of them will be fatal. This incident is often related to people surfing. In the journal Current Biology, Australian research tested three different LED light intensities.
Ryan says that with the lights positioned horizontally at their brightest power, they don’t become targets for sharks.
“Our results reveal the importance of dark silhouettes on light backgrounds in predatory behavior in great white sharks and that changing silhouettes could be the basis of a new non-invasive shark deterrent technology to protect human life,” the researchers said.
It turns out that great white sharks are less attracted to the brightest lights as other studies have found some species are attracted to bright, reflective objects. Currently, researchers are still continuing to create prototypes of light strips to test on surfboards and boats.
Intern reporter: Nadya Nur Aulia
Shark-Curbing Innovations: A Bright Idea for Surfers
This method is considered capable of curbing the shark’s desire to chase and prey on surfers.
Ah, sharks! The ocean’s answer to that terrifying uncle who continually threatens to eat with a swipe of his fork. But instead of dinner parties filled with nostalgia and awkward silences, scientists in Australia have taken it upon themselves to ensure that the only bites surfers have to worry about are those made by their surfing boards—preferably on waves and not by the jaws of eager sharks.
In a study conducted by researchers at Macquarie University, LED strip lights were installed under surfboards. Yes, you heard that right; they’ve managed to turn surfboards into disco lights—because why not make surfing and near-death experiences a bit more glamorous? The researchers were fishing for answers in Mossel Bay, South Africa, using seal-shaped boards to see which lights managed to attract white sharks. Apparently, nothing says “I’m a tasty seal!” like a bit of LED flair lighting up one’s silhouette on the water.
Laura Ryan, the lead researcher, explains that the luminous adornments can alter what sharks see while simultaneously turning surfers into the ocean’s version of a nightclub bouncer—keeping their distance while blaring neon lights. If sharks often mistake surfers for seals, this scientific method acts like a taxi light for hungry predators, saying, “Sorry mate, all full!”
Now let’s get to the juicy stats: there were 69 unprovoked shark bites in 2023 alone across the US, Australia, and South Africa; ten of which were fatal. This isn’t just some statistic for thrill-seekers; it’s a numbers game where surfers are on the losing end. But with these dazzling light experiments, researchers are really in the dark about whether this technique could deter other “*bite-y*” species like the bull or tiger shark. One can only hope that LED strips become the shark version of a slip ‘n’ slide—only intended for escape, not delight.
Interestingly, it turns out that sharks are less interested in the brightest lights. I guess when it comes to dinner time, they prefer their meals on the not-so-bright side. It’s nice to know that our scaly friends have a taste in aesthetics—after all, who wants to dine under fluorescent lights?
As they continue to develop these prototypes, one can only imagine surfboards with LED lights turning the ocean into an ethereal, blinking wonderland, bringing “the waves” to a whole new party level. The researchers state that this technique may serve as a new non-invasive shark deterrent, potentially saving countless surfers’ lives and keeping the thrill-seeking populace safely surfing—without becoming shark sushi.
Intern reporter: Nadya Nur Aulia
This innovative method is considered capable of curbing the shark’s desire to chase and prey on surfers while enhancing safety in waters populated by these apex predators.
Thursday, 14 Nov 2024 12:13:00 Scientists find a way to prevent surfers from being eaten by sharks (©Illustration created with ChatGPT)
In a groundbreaking advancement, Australian scientists have devised a remarkable solution to mitigate shark attacks on surfers by strategically installing LED strip lights beneath surfboards. This transformative study, conducted in the waters of Mossel Bay, South Africa, utilized uniquely designed, seal-shaped surfboards outfitted with various light configurations placed behind boats to determine which arrangements were least likely to attract the attention of predatory white sharks.
According to researchers from Macquarie University, the light emissions altered the visual silhouette of their “bait” on the ocean’s surface, thereby restricting the sharks’ ability to accurately identify their potential targets. This approach is seen as a promising non-invasive alternative to traditional methods such as nets or drone surveillance, which may also disturb marine ecosystems.
Laura Ryan, the lead scientist on this project, emphasized the significant role that great white sharks play in fatal shark bite incidents, stating that these creatures are responsible for the majority of human fatalities linked to shark interactions. These formidable predators habitually launch surprise attacks from below the surface, further complicating the safety of surfers.
This predatory strategy results in frequent misidentification, with sharks often mistaking the silhouettes of surfers for their natural prey, such as seals. According to reports from BBC dated Thursday (14/11), the research team expressed the need to explore the effectiveness of LED lights in deterring not only great whites but also other dangerous shark species known for attacking humans, including bull sharks and tiger sharks.
Examining data from 2023, there were 69 unprovoked shark bites reported in the United States, Australia, and South Africa, resulting in 10 fatalities, with many incidents linked directly to surfing activities. The findings of this research are documented in the journal Current Biology, detailing experiments that tested three varying intensities of LED lights.
Ryan noted that with optimal light settings angled horizontally at their highest intensity, surfers do not become identifiable targets for sharks, a significant consideration for enhancing water safety.
“Our results reveal the importance of dark silhouettes on light backgrounds in predatory behavior in great white sharks, suggesting that manipulating silhouettes could pave the way for a new non-invasive shark deterrent technology designed to safeguard human life,” stated the researchers, highlighting the broader implications of their findings.
Interestingly, this study showed that great white sharks exhibited a reduced attraction to the brightest lights, contrasting with previous research indicating that some other shark species were drawn to bright, reflective objects. Currently, the research team is diligently working on developing prototypes of light strips tailored for practical application on surfboards and boats.
Intern reporter: Nadya Nur Aulia
Arks mistaking surfer silhouettes for seals. In light of this, the research team suggests that the LED lights could serve as an effective deterrent. As reported by BBC on 14 November, the effectiveness of LED lights in repelling other shark species known to target humans, including bull sharks and tiger sharks, remains an area of ongoing investigation.
Analyzing recent statistics reveals alarming numbers: in 2023 alone, there were 69 unprovoked shark bites across the US, Australia, and South Africa, with 10 recording fatalities that year, often linked to surfing activities. The study published in Current Biology highlights the experimentation of different LED light intensities to determine the best approach for enhancing surfer safety.
Laura Ryan emphasized a key finding: when the lights are applied horizontally at optimal brightness, surfers’ silhouettes are less appealing to sharks. “Our results reveal the importance of dark silhouettes on light backgrounds in the predatory behavior of great white sharks,” the research team stated, underlining the potential of this innovative technique to protect human life without harming the shark population.
Interestingly, early findings indicate that bright lights may actually be less attractive to great white sharks, diverging from behaviors seen in other species that might be drawn to shiny, reflective objects. Ongoing efforts by the researchers include developing prototypes of these light strips intended for testing on surfboards and boats.
this research offers a novel method to potentially reduce shark attacks and enhance swimmer safety, showcasing the intersection of science and technology in addressing real-world challenges while fostering a safer environment for those who enjoy the ocean.
In summary: If you’ve ever wanted to surf without the fear of becoming the main course for one of Earth’s largest fish, just invest in some disco lights! Next, let’s get researchers on how to employ the same LED technology to convince an angry giraffe that a skateboarder isn’t a threat—who knew science could be this entertaining?