Nothing kills your surfing enthusiasm quicker than the thought of silent toothy predators lurking below. The glimpse of a fin, or a dark shadow in the water, can strike panic into the heart of even the most experienced surfer or ocean swimmer.
The majority of shark attacks occur in shallow water close to the coast, where large numbers of surfers, swimmers, and sharks occupy the same space. And while the odds of an encounter are remote, the gruesome and unpredictable nature of a shark attack affects us at a primal level.
Humans, like all mammals, possess an innate terror of being eaten alive. And when we’re floating unprotected in the ocean, we’re no longer at the top of the food chain.
Sharks see only in black and white, but they also boast the most sensitive electro-magnetic receptors of all known animals, which they use to evaluate shape, proximity, and even the heart rate of nearby creatures. These electrical receptors are small, gel-filled sacs called Ampullae of Lorenzini. On most occasions, the sharks get it right and leave humans alone – we’re generally not on the menu. But sometimes a curious shark might take a nibble, just to figure out what we are. These unprovoked hit-and-run encounters are the most common form of attack.
Some common-sense precautions can mitigate the already low risk. Avoid cloudy, turbid, or murky waters, and leave the water quickly if baitfish are present, especially when they're breaking the surface, as this normally means something is pursuing them from below (look out for seabirds diving at the baitfish). Dusk and dawn are also more dangerous, since these are typically feeding times for sharks, and reduced visibility increases the probability that a shark might mistake you for breakfast.
In the unlikely event that a shark does approach, you should be prepared to defend yourself. Striking the shark on the nose, or gouging at its eyes, may make it reconsider the attack and move away. In August 2015, surfing star Mick Fanning successfully used this approach to deter an inquisitive shark at the J-Bay Open Surf Event in South Africa, as shown in the terrifying clip below.
The majority of shark attacks occur in shallow water close to the coast, where large numbers of surfers, swimmers, and sharks occupy the same space. And while the odds of an encounter are remote, the gruesome and unpredictable nature of a shark attack affects us at a primal level.
Humans, like all mammals, possess an innate terror of being eaten alive. And when we’re floating unprotected in the ocean, we’re no longer at the top of the food chain.
Sharks see only in black and white, but they also boast the most sensitive electro-magnetic receptors of all known animals, which they use to evaluate shape, proximity, and even the heart rate of nearby creatures. These electrical receptors are small, gel-filled sacs called Ampullae of Lorenzini. On most occasions, the sharks get it right and leave humans alone – we’re generally not on the menu. But sometimes a curious shark might take a nibble, just to figure out what we are. These unprovoked hit-and-run encounters are the most common form of attack.
Some common-sense precautions can mitigate the already low risk. Avoid cloudy, turbid, or murky waters, and leave the water quickly if baitfish are present, especially when they're breaking the surface, as this normally means something is pursuing them from below (look out for seabirds diving at the baitfish). Dusk and dawn are also more dangerous, since these are typically feeding times for sharks, and reduced visibility increases the probability that a shark might mistake you for breakfast.
In the unlikely event that a shark does approach, you should be prepared to defend yourself. Striking the shark on the nose, or gouging at its eyes, may make it reconsider the attack and move away. In August 2015, surfing star Mick Fanning successfully used this approach to deter an inquisitive shark at the J-Bay Open Surf Event in South Africa, as shown in the terrifying clip below.
|
|
|
Wouldn't it be nice if we could also bring along a reliable deterrent to ward off these monsters of the deep? Five proven shark repellents are readily available. They include liquid sprays, magnetic wristbands, ankle or board mounted electrodes, and specially designed wetsuits.
But how effective are they against the most dangerous predators like Bull Sharks, Tiger Sharks, and the notorious Great White? Let’s find out.
But how effective are they against the most dangerous predators like Bull Sharks, Tiger Sharks, and the notorious Great White? Let’s find out.
1. Sharkbanz
Launched in Australia in early 2015, under licence from US-based Shark Defense Technologies, Sharkbanz are wearable rubber bracelets enclosing patented magnetic technology designed to deter shark attacks. When a shark approaches, magnetic waves emanating from the band disrupt its electro-receptors, forcing it to turn away sharply. The field generated is roughly two metres in diameter.
Shark Defense Technologies was founded 15 years ago by renowned shark experts and marine biologists Patrick Rice and Eric Stroud, who say Sharkbanz offer an excellent defence against hit-and-run attacks. According to Dr Stroud, the experience for the shark is akin to a person suddenly shining a very bright light into your eyes in a dark room.
A single Sharkbanz will provide protection, and two will offer even greater defence. Sharkbanz are primarily designed for recreational swimmers and surfers, and the company advises that those in more dangerous professions like commercial diving or spear fishing should not rely solely on Sharkbanz for protection.
The technology has been tested successfully on many predatory sharks, including Bull, Blacktip, Oceanic Whitetip, Tiger, Nurse, Lemon, Caribbean Reef, and Bonnethead. Sharkbanz also deters stingrays.
Sharkbanz AP CEO Charmaine Wilson claims Sharkbanz can even be effective at deterring investigative Great Whites, but they won’t prevent an ambush attack. Great Whites are unique in that they’re the only shark to act as an ambush predator, striking at high speed from a long distance.
No independent studies have yet confirmed the effectiveness of the device, and there is a degree of scepticism among some scientists and competing manufacturers. Lindsay Lyon, of rival company Shark Shield, says Sharkbanz has "fantastic branding" but that the product is "ridiculous". UWA Professor Shaun Collin, an expert in the field, says using static magnets to repel sharks "falls into the category of almost guesswork".
The first two videos below demonstrate Sharkbanz effectively repelling multiple sharks, however the third video shows a shark actually eating a Sharkbanz.
Shark Defense Technologies was founded 15 years ago by renowned shark experts and marine biologists Patrick Rice and Eric Stroud, who say Sharkbanz offer an excellent defence against hit-and-run attacks. According to Dr Stroud, the experience for the shark is akin to a person suddenly shining a very bright light into your eyes in a dark room.
A single Sharkbanz will provide protection, and two will offer even greater defence. Sharkbanz are primarily designed for recreational swimmers and surfers, and the company advises that those in more dangerous professions like commercial diving or spear fishing should not rely solely on Sharkbanz for protection.
The technology has been tested successfully on many predatory sharks, including Bull, Blacktip, Oceanic Whitetip, Tiger, Nurse, Lemon, Caribbean Reef, and Bonnethead. Sharkbanz also deters stingrays.
Sharkbanz AP CEO Charmaine Wilson claims Sharkbanz can even be effective at deterring investigative Great Whites, but they won’t prevent an ambush attack. Great Whites are unique in that they’re the only shark to act as an ambush predator, striking at high speed from a long distance.
No independent studies have yet confirmed the effectiveness of the device, and there is a degree of scepticism among some scientists and competing manufacturers. Lindsay Lyon, of rival company Shark Shield, says Sharkbanz has "fantastic branding" but that the product is "ridiculous". UWA Professor Shaun Collin, an expert in the field, says using static magnets to repel sharks "falls into the category of almost guesswork".
The first two videos below demonstrate Sharkbanz effectively repelling multiple sharks, however the third video shows a shark actually eating a Sharkbanz.
|
|
|
|
Sharkbanz disputes the testing method used in the third video, noting in the Youtube comments that the test involved visible bait and a static Sharkbanz, meaning the test is not representative of an actual swimmer or surfer in the ocean, because Sharkbanz requires at least some movement to generate its magnetic field.
Sharkbanz involve no chemicals, batteries, or electricity, ensuring durability and ease of use. Sharkbanz also donate a percentage of their profits to ocean conservation, with a focus on eradicating the practice of shark finning, protecting and restoring ocean habitats through designated marine sanctuaries, and promoting legislation to minimise offshore drilling.
|
|
|
|
2. Shark Repellent Sprays
Also developed by scientists at Shark Defense Technologies, and described as a 'pepper spray for sharks', SharkTec is a semiochemical liquid repellent made using the natural enzymes present in deceased sharks.
Necronomes, extracted from putrefied shark tissue, affect the smell and taste senses of a wide range of sharks, triggering a sense of danger and compelling the shark to flee the vicinity. Dead sharks emit a natural defense pheromone to warn nearby sharks of danger. When sharks smell decaying shark tissue, they quickly head in the opposite direction to evade potential predators like giant squids, salt-water crocodiles and orcas.
"It switches off their feeding response," claims Dr Stroud. "It's a strong, ancient signal when they smell their dead."
Several YouTube videos, including the clip from Mythbusters below, support the claim, and UWA Professor Collin says there is quite positive evidence of its effectiveness.
Necronomes, extracted from putrefied shark tissue, affect the smell and taste senses of a wide range of sharks, triggering a sense of danger and compelling the shark to flee the vicinity. Dead sharks emit a natural defense pheromone to warn nearby sharks of danger. When sharks smell decaying shark tissue, they quickly head in the opposite direction to evade potential predators like giant squids, salt-water crocodiles and orcas.
"It switches off their feeding response," claims Dr Stroud. "It's a strong, ancient signal when they smell their dead."
Several YouTube videos, including the clip from Mythbusters below, support the claim, and UWA Professor Collin says there is quite positive evidence of its effectiveness.
|
|
|
|
The active chemical is eco-friendly, biodegradable, and doesn’t affect other fish. This means SharkTec can be used to protect sharks from commercial fishing, by ridding the area of sharks before fishing operations commence.
However, its application for surf sports participants is limited. Unfortunately SharkTec also smells repulsive to humans, and it’s only useful when you already know the shark is there, which isn’t the case in most hit-and-run attacks.
A similar product, the Rut Grenade Reusable Shark Repellent, also purports to repel sharks when encountered while users are scuba diving, surfing, fishing, spearfishing and kayaking. It's effective for up to five uses, and attaches easily to your life jacket, swimsuit or scuba gear.
Another shark deterrent, BCB Adventure, consists of a thick black dye and chemical that repels and disorientates sharks. This NATO approved product has been used by navies worldwide as their approved shark repellent. It is used in life rafts and airborne survival packs.
However, its application for surf sports participants is limited. Unfortunately SharkTec also smells repulsive to humans, and it’s only useful when you already know the shark is there, which isn’t the case in most hit-and-run attacks.
A similar product, the Rut Grenade Reusable Shark Repellent, also purports to repel sharks when encountered while users are scuba diving, surfing, fishing, spearfishing and kayaking. It's effective for up to five uses, and attaches easily to your life jacket, swimsuit or scuba gear.
Another shark deterrent, BCB Adventure, consists of a thick black dye and chemical that repels and disorientates sharks. This NATO approved product has been used by navies worldwide as their approved shark repellent. It is used in life rafts and airborne survival packs.
|
|
|
|
3. SAMS - Shark Attack Mitigation Systems
After analysing the ways in which sharks respond to visual stimuli, University of Western Australia researchers developed two new types of wetsuit, in addition to surfboard stickers, designed to confuse shark senses. The Oceans Institute team at UWA has studied shark vision for several years, and is considered the world's leading authority in the field.
A large body of anecdotal evidence suggests visual contrast, colours, shapes and patterns determine how a shark perceives and engages with objects and other creatures in the marine environment. And while sharks use multiple senses to identify prey, vision is crucial in the final stage of an attack. By disrupting a shark's visual perception, the attack may be diverted or delayed, allowing time to escape the situation.
One wetsuit design (SAMS Cryptic™) camouflages the wearer using an ocean-like ripple pattern. The other design (SAMS Warning™) uses black and white stripes, similar to the pattern seen on some sea snakes, leading the shark to believe the wearer is a poisonous or unpalatable creature.
Although the patterns might look simple at first glance, a complex and patented scientific system lies behind each one. Since the colours will be perceived differently by sharks at various water depths, it's important to confirm the design best suited to your primary ocean activity.
UWA Professor Collin says early tests, completed in live conditions off the coast of Western Australia, have been very positive, although not yet fully conclusive regarding the effectiveness of the designs. Ironically, he noted that researchers have struggled to find sufficient Great White Sharks with which to test the wetsuits.
As well as surfboard stickers and underlays, future applications will include swimwear, and skins and stickers for dive tanks, kayaks and other watersports equipment.
Radiator is the first global licensee, manufacturer, and retailer of SAMS technology, supplying shark deterrent wetsuits for both surfing and diving, along with surfboard stickers that display the same patterns. In addition to the SAMS technology, Radiator wetsuits combine four revolutionary layers to create one of the thinnest and most flexible wetsuits on the market. Swimwear brand Arena, and WA-based Yahoo surfboards are also planning to incorporate SAMS technology in the future.
A large body of anecdotal evidence suggests visual contrast, colours, shapes and patterns determine how a shark perceives and engages with objects and other creatures in the marine environment. And while sharks use multiple senses to identify prey, vision is crucial in the final stage of an attack. By disrupting a shark's visual perception, the attack may be diverted or delayed, allowing time to escape the situation.
One wetsuit design (SAMS Cryptic™) camouflages the wearer using an ocean-like ripple pattern. The other design (SAMS Warning™) uses black and white stripes, similar to the pattern seen on some sea snakes, leading the shark to believe the wearer is a poisonous or unpalatable creature.
Although the patterns might look simple at first glance, a complex and patented scientific system lies behind each one. Since the colours will be perceived differently by sharks at various water depths, it's important to confirm the design best suited to your primary ocean activity.
UWA Professor Collin says early tests, completed in live conditions off the coast of Western Australia, have been very positive, although not yet fully conclusive regarding the effectiveness of the designs. Ironically, he noted that researchers have struggled to find sufficient Great White Sharks with which to test the wetsuits.
As well as surfboard stickers and underlays, future applications will include swimwear, and skins and stickers for dive tanks, kayaks and other watersports equipment.
Radiator is the first global licensee, manufacturer, and retailer of SAMS technology, supplying shark deterrent wetsuits for both surfing and diving, along with surfboard stickers that display the same patterns. In addition to the SAMS technology, Radiator wetsuits combine four revolutionary layers to create one of the thinnest and most flexible wetsuits on the market. Swimwear brand Arena, and WA-based Yahoo surfboards are also planning to incorporate SAMS technology in the future.
|
|
|
4. Shark Shield
This device, developed by NSW-based Shark Shield, consists of two electrodes on a long antenna, creating a magnetic field of six metres by four metres. It can be attached to a surfboard, or worn on the ankle. Shark Shield is popular among spear fishers, divers, and some surfers, but its size makes it impractical for most swimmers.
Originally known as the Protective Oceanic Device or POD, the technology has existed for decades, and is well regarded among users and scientists. When sharks encounter the electromagnetic field, they experience sharp discomfort and veer away quickly. Strong electronic pulses emitted by the device cause the shark to experience muscle spasms.
Shark Shield CEO Lindsay Lyon says fast-moving sharks are deterred when they come within two metres of the field. The field does not harm the shark in any way and only repels predator sharks and other members of the Elasmobranch family, such as rays and skates. Elasmobranch creatures all possess Ampullae of Lorenzini. The device does not affect other ocean life.
Three models are available. The SCUBA7 is designed for the scientific, military and technical diving markets. The FREEDOM7 is designed for diving, spearfishing, free-diving, ocean kayak fishing and swimming. And the SURF7 is designed for surfing and stand-up paddle boards. Shark Shield has already sold over 25,000 devices in the past ten years.
Tom Carroll, Australian surfing legend, has joined the Shark Shield team as their surfing ambassador and is heavily involved in the design the surf based shark deterrents. According to Mr Carroll, “Shark Shield should be applauded for taking the health of this ancient species into consideration and at the same time as providing protection to humans who enter their territory. This is a win-win situation — for surfers, divers and sharks.”
Originally known as the Protective Oceanic Device or POD, the technology has existed for decades, and is well regarded among users and scientists. When sharks encounter the electromagnetic field, they experience sharp discomfort and veer away quickly. Strong electronic pulses emitted by the device cause the shark to experience muscle spasms.
Shark Shield CEO Lindsay Lyon says fast-moving sharks are deterred when they come within two metres of the field. The field does not harm the shark in any way and only repels predator sharks and other members of the Elasmobranch family, such as rays and skates. Elasmobranch creatures all possess Ampullae of Lorenzini. The device does not affect other ocean life.
Three models are available. The SCUBA7 is designed for the scientific, military and technical diving markets. The FREEDOM7 is designed for diving, spearfishing, free-diving, ocean kayak fishing and swimming. And the SURF7 is designed for surfing and stand-up paddle boards. Shark Shield has already sold over 25,000 devices in the past ten years.
Tom Carroll, Australian surfing legend, has joined the Shark Shield team as their surfing ambassador and is heavily involved in the design the surf based shark deterrents. According to Mr Carroll, “Shark Shield should be applauded for taking the health of this ancient species into consideration and at the same time as providing protection to humans who enter their territory. This is a win-win situation — for surfers, divers and sharks.”
|
|
|
|
Researchers at the UWA Oceans Institute found Shark Shield to be effective, even against Tiger Sharks and Great Whites. And Terra Australis, a video production company documenting the effectiveness of shark repellents, claim Shark Shield is the most effective of all the devices they have tested.
Shark Shield was recently used by Diana Nyad in her record-breaking swim from Cuba to Florida, completed without a shark cage.
Shark Shield is mandatory in industries such as abalone diving, and is used by the US and Australian navies. The battery lasts for seven hours, and each device comes with a 30-day money back guarantee.
Shark Shield was recently used by Diana Nyad in her record-breaking swim from Cuba to Florida, completed without a shark cage.
Shark Shield is mandatory in industries such as abalone diving, and is used by the US and Australian navies. The battery lasts for seven hours, and each device comes with a 30-day money back guarantee.
|
|
|
|
5. Surf Safe
Western Australian surfboard shaper David Smith has taken the concept behind Shark Shield and embedded it into a surfboard. His Surf Safe device, designed to sit on the surface of the water rather than being submerged, emits a higher frequency signal than Shark Shield and generates a protective field roughly five metres in diameter. Like Shark Shield, the electric current targets the shark's Ampullae of Lorenzini.
The lightweight integrated device has a 12-hour battery life and can be changed in two hours. It automatically switches on and starts protecting you as soon as the electrodes on the board come in contact with the ocean. The lifespan is approximately 300 charges, or 3 years of use. Being compact, and weighing only 155 grams, it has no impact on your surfing performance.
One drawback is that Surf Safe must be installed by a professional board shaper, although the company does plan to release a new version that can be easily switched between boards. Currently, the main charge box is embedded in the underside of the board, near the fins at the tail, and a wire stretches from the box to almost the full length of the board, forming a protective barrier around the board in every direction. The new system will incorporate miniature electrodes in the tailpad and fins, which can be removed and transferred to other boards in your quiver.
No independent studies have yet verified its effectiveness, but Smith says two Australian universities have been testing Surf Safe, with the results to be published later this year.
"There's heaps of people putting stuff on the market out there and we want to make sure our product's right," said Smith.
Surf Safe has proved popular at surfers' paradise Reunion Island in the French Indian Ocean, where over 300 devices have been sold in the wake of a spate of devastating local shark attacks, with seven deaths reported since 2011.
The lightweight integrated device has a 12-hour battery life and can be changed in two hours. It automatically switches on and starts protecting you as soon as the electrodes on the board come in contact with the ocean. The lifespan is approximately 300 charges, or 3 years of use. Being compact, and weighing only 155 grams, it has no impact on your surfing performance.
One drawback is that Surf Safe must be installed by a professional board shaper, although the company does plan to release a new version that can be easily switched between boards. Currently, the main charge box is embedded in the underside of the board, near the fins at the tail, and a wire stretches from the box to almost the full length of the board, forming a protective barrier around the board in every direction. The new system will incorporate miniature electrodes in the tailpad and fins, which can be removed and transferred to other boards in your quiver.
No independent studies have yet verified its effectiveness, but Smith says two Australian universities have been testing Surf Safe, with the results to be published later this year.
"There's heaps of people putting stuff on the market out there and we want to make sure our product's right," said Smith.
Surf Safe has proved popular at surfers' paradise Reunion Island in the French Indian Ocean, where over 300 devices have been sold in the wake of a spate of devastating local shark attacks, with seven deaths reported since 2011.
|
|
|
NSW government’s high-tech strategy to combat shark attacks
In October 2015, the NSW government announced a $16 million Shark Management Strategy to combat shark attacks, after the number of unprovoked attacks in the state jumped from three in 2013 and 2014, to fourteen attacks in 2015. The new plan delivers…
- $7 million towards research and tagging
- $3.5 million for helicopter surveillance
- $1.3 million to upgrade the SharkSmart mobile app
- Twenty VR4G shark listening stations along the NSW coast
- Five Clever Buoy shark-detecting sonar trials
- Six barrier net trials
- Partnership with Surf Life Saving NSW to refine procedures for shark incident response
- Trials of unmanned aerial devices
Closing Comments
Finally, a word of caution. Sharks can be dangerous and unpredictable creatures.
It's impossible for any of these deterrents to guarantee that sharks will be repelled under all circumstances. Ocean-based activities in the presence of sharks is not recommended. If sharks are sighted, the safest course of action is to leave the water immediately.
Having said this, sharks only kill half a dozen humans on average each year. On the other hand, humans kill more than 100 million sharks every year. So if you have a shark phobia, then it's worth stepping back to gain a little perspective. They're nowhere near as deadly as you think, and they're a vital part of our marine ecosystem.
If you enjoyed this article, please share with your friends, and leave a comment below!
It's impossible for any of these deterrents to guarantee that sharks will be repelled under all circumstances. Ocean-based activities in the presence of sharks is not recommended. If sharks are sighted, the safest course of action is to leave the water immediately.
Having said this, sharks only kill half a dozen humans on average each year. On the other hand, humans kill more than 100 million sharks every year. So if you have a shark phobia, then it's worth stepping back to gain a little perspective. They're nowhere near as deadly as you think, and they're a vital part of our marine ecosystem.
If you enjoyed this article, please share with your friends, and leave a comment below!
RSS Feed