The surprising way shark attacks could be prevented
The secret weapon to prevent beachgoers from shark attacks could have been swimming in the ocean alongside the predators all along.
Last year, 47 people were attacked by sharks, according to the International Shark File.
Finding yourself in the jaws of a shark is still exceedingly rare – but the fear of the animals is still felt around the globe.
Most of the world’s shark attacks are reported from the coast of Florida. Last year alone, 28 encounters were reported in the Sunshine State.
Soon, beachgoers and surfers could avoid the fear of a bite altogether – thanks to a surprising discovery in shark bite prevention.
Researchers from University College Dublin and Florida Atlantic University found that cuttlefish ink works as a ‘chemical repellant’ for the beasts.
Cuttlefish are found in most of the world’s oceans, except the Americas. A squid-like creature, they feed on small fish and crustaceans.
They also secrete a dark ink, composed mainly of melanin – which can overwhelm shark’s senses of smell, which is the main way they hunt.
Researcher Colleen Lawless said: ‘By leveraging what we’ve discovered, it may be possible to deploy safe and targeted repellents near beaches, aquaculture signs or fishing zones, to minimize encounters between sharks and humans.’
Cuttlefish ink has a molecular structure which can almost attach itself to shark’s scent receptors – making it difficult for them to hunt, and persuading them to find other waters to swim in.
If utilised correctly, it’s hoped the cuttlefish ink could be used as an environmentally-friendly shark deterrent for popular beaches.
Current technology to repel sharks ranges from electronic armbands to wide nets at popular coastlines.
But they aren’t always successful – one youngster who was gifted the ‘shark repelling armband’ for Christmas was still bitten by one.
The bands send out a magnetic field which aims to disrupt the electro-receptors sharks use to navigate the ocean.
They have them in their snouts to work out what things in the water are, but when they encounter a magnetic field it causes them discomfort, although it doesn’t harm them.
The cuttlefish ink could provide a more successful way to repel sharks from taking a bite out of unwitting swimmers and surfers.
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