Can new blue light technology stop shark attacks in Australia?

Yes, experiments with blue LED lights on dummy seals showed they deterred Great White Sharks, suggesting this could be applied to wetsuits and surfboards.

What is "counter-illumination" and how does it work against sharks?

Counter-illumination is a defense where sea creatures glow blue on their bellies to match the sky, making them invisible to predators looking up from below.

Were previous shark-proofing methods like striped wetsuits effective?

No, previous methods like striped wetsuits were unsuccessful. The new approach focuses on mimicking the sky's light, making humans invisible.

Home / Science / Sharks Fooled: New Tech Makes Swimmers Invisible

Sharks Fooled: New Tech Makes Swimmers Invisible

10 Dec

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Summary

New tech could make humans invisible to sharks using blue light.
Experiments show blue LED lights on dummies deterred Great Whites.
This method mimics deep-sea animals' counter-illumination defense.

Sharks Fooled: New Tech Makes Swimmers Invisible

Shark attacks might soon be eradicated in Australia with a revolutionary new technology that renders humans invisible to these predators. Scientist Dr. James O'Hanlon's research explores animal deception, highlighting "counter-illumination" as a key defense mechanism. This involves animals on their bellies glowing blue to match the sky, making them undetectable from below.

Recent experiments involving seal-shaped dummies equipped with blue LED lights proved remarkably effective. When dragged through Great White Shark territory off South Africa, these illuminated dummies were completely ignored by sharks, unlike unlit ones. This suggests that simple and inexpensive LED technology could be integrated into surfboards and wetsuits.

Previous attempts at shark deterrents, like striped wetsuits, proved unsuccessful as they misinterpreted the principle of camouflage. The "counter-illumination" technique, however, offers a scientifically validated approach to preventing shark encounters, potentially bringing an end to dangerous incidents for swimmers and surfers.