For years, surfers and swimmers have been searching for a way to avoid shark attacks, with limited success. While various methods have been proposed, including the controversial Sharkbanz, none have proven to be truly effective. However, a new study from Australia offers a potential breakthrough in shark deterrence.
Conducted by researchers at Macquarie University in Sydney, the study explores the idea that LED lights on the underside of surfboards could reduce the likelihood of a Great White shark attack. The study, titled Counterillumination Reduces Bites by Great White Sharks, is based on the premise that sharks, particularly Great Whites, rely on the dark silhouettes of their prey when hunting. By using LED lights to counteract this silhouette, surfers might be able to make themselves less recognizable to sharks.
“Sharks typically view prey as dark shapes against the brighter ocean floor below,” the study explains. “This makes camouflage difficult in the open ocean. Counterillumination, or the use of light to disrupt the dark silhouette, is expected to work particularly well against predators like the Great White, which rely on poor visual acuity and lack color vision.”
To test this theory, the researchers used seal decoys equipped with LED lights, towed behind a boat, to simulate potential shark prey. The goal was to determine whether different light configurations could influence a shark’s attack behavior.
The results were promising: “Counterillumination that is brighter than the surrounding environment was most effective in deterring sharks,” the study reports. “This suggests that disruptive camouflage, rather than simply matching the background, plays a key role in preventing shark attacks.” The study highlights the importance of altering the visual silhouette of potential prey to avoid triggering predatory behavior in Great Whites.
Building on these findings, the researchers are now testing a surfboard prototype with integrated LED lights to see if it can provide real-world protection for surfers. While the technology holds potential, lead author Dr. Laura Ryan acknowledged that surfers can be particular about their gear. As she told The Guardian, “Surfers can be a little fussy with their surfboards. As a surfer, I want it to be usable.”
Despite the challenges, the study offers hope that this innovative approach could become a viable, non-invasive method to help protect surfers from Great White shark attacks.
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