cbsnews.com
Bright Lights May Deter Shark Attacks
Research reveals that bright horizontal lights on surfboards may deter great white sharks by altering their visual perception of prey.
English
United States
ScienceLifestyleSafetyResearchMitigationSharks
Macquarie UniversityUniversity Of FloridaCurrent Biology
Laura RyanNathan Hart
- How might bright lights on surfboards deter shark attacks?
- Research suggests that covering surfboards with bright horizontal lights may deter great white shark attacks by disrupting their silhouette recognition.
- What are the limitations of the current research findings?
- While the research focused on great white sharks, further studies are needed to determine if the same light configurations are effective against other shark species with differing predatory behaviors.
- What type of lights were most effective in deterring sharks?
- Brighter horizontal lights were more effective than dimmer or vertically oriented lights in reducing shark interest, potentially acting as a form of 'invisibility cloak'.
- Where and how was the research on shark deterrence conducted?
- The study, conducted in South Africa's Mossel Bay, used seal-shaped decoys with varying light configurations to test their effectiveness in deterring sharks.
- What is the potential significance of this research for shark mitigation strategies?
- This research offers a less invasive shark mitigation method compared to existing measures like nets or drones, potentially enhancing surfer safety.