In brief
A recent study suggests that attaching LED lights to surfboards could help protect surfers from shark attacks, changing perceptions of predator behavior.
Researchers from Macquarie University in New South Wales have conducted a fascinating study in Mossel Bay, South Africa, exploring how LED strip lights affixed to surfboards might reduce the risk of great white shark attacks. The scientists tested seal-shaped boards equipped with various lighting setups to determine which configurations would garner the most attention from the sharks. Their findings indicate that these lights can distort the silhouette of the boards against the sunlight, making it more challenging for great whites to identify their targets.Laura Ryan, the lead researcher, noted that great white sharks are responsible for the majority of fatal shark attacks on humans, primarily because they often strike from underneath, mistaking surfers for seals. The introduction of lights could provide a non-invasive alternative to traditional shark deterrents like nets and drones. While focusing on great whites, researchers are also interested in assessing the effectiveness of LED lights against other shark species such as bull sharks and tiger sharks, known for their occasional attacks on humans. In 2023, there were a reported 69 unprovoked shark bites globally, with the highest numbers occurring in the United States, Australia, and South Africa, including ten fatalities.Published in the journal Current Biology, the study examined three different intensities of LED lights and concluded that brighter, horizontal-aligned lights were less appealing to the sharks. The researchers emphasized that their results underscore the significance of maintaining a dark silhouette against a lighter ocean backdrop to influence the predatory instincts of great white sharks.Interestingly, the study revealed that contrary to other findings where certain species are more attracted to bright, reflective objects, great whites exhibited a lower interest in the brightest lights. This insight leads the researchers to develop prototype lighting strips specifically for surfboards and kayaks, aiming to enhance safety measures for water sports enthusiasts.As findings from this innovative study continue to shape shark deterrent technologies, the hope remains that these lights could effectively safeguard surfers and improve coexistence with ocean predators.
