In brief
Recent research indicates that these lights could confuse sharks and change how they perceive surfers.
In a fascinating new study from Macquarie University, Australian scientists claim that outfitting surfboards with LED strip lights could offer a fresh way to prevent shark attacks. Conducted in Mossel Bay, South Africa, the research involved towing seal-shaped boards with various lighting setups behind a boat. The goal was to observe how these lights affected the behavior of great white sharks.The study's lead researcher, Laura Ryan, notes that the LED lights distort the outline of surfboards against the ocean surface, making them less recognizable to sharks, who often prey from below. Great whites, responsible for the majority of shark bite fatalities, could be less likely to mistake a surfer for their usual prey—a seal—thanks to this visual alteration. Unlike traditional shark deterrents like nets and drones, the use of lights represents a non-invasive approach. In 2023 alone, there were 69 unprovoked shark bites reported globally, mainly in the US, Australia, and South Africa, with 10 leading to fatalities.The study tested three different light intensities and found that the most intense, horizontally-aligned lights were less likely to attract sharks. This suggests that altering the silhouette surfers present against the light could lead to innovative technologies for shark deterrence and enhance safety for those enjoying water sports.As a result, researchers are now focused on developing prototype lighting strips to be used on surfboards and kayaks, aiming to offer a safer surfing experience in the future.
