A shark-deterrent wetsuit (and it's not what you think) | Hamish Jolly

TL;DR

This content discusses the development of technology to mitigate or reduce the risk of shark attacks based on the science of what sharks can see.

Transcript

Scientific breakthrough, the kind that can potentially save lives, can sometimes be lying right out in the open for us to discover, in the evolved, accumulated body of human anecdote, for example, or in the time-tested adaptations that we observe in the natural world around us. Science starts with observation, but the trick is to identify the patte... Read More

Key Insights

• 🔬 Scientific breakthroughs can come from observing patterns and signatures in the natural world, even anecdotal evidence, and testing them rigorously with scientific methods.
• 🦈 Western Australia has seen an increase in shark attacks, prompting the development of technology to mitigate the risk of shark attacks based on what sharks can see.
• 🐝 Anecdotal evidence suggests that striped wetsuits can mimic warning patterns of marine species and potentially deter shark attacks.
• 🌊 Sharks use their sight sensors to identify potential targets, making patterns and shapes on wetsuits important for reducing the risk of shark attacks.
• 🔎 Extensive research was conducted to understand the characteristics of the eyes of predatory sharks, what they can see at different depths and distances, and how wetsuit patterns can disrupt their perception.
• 🧪 Testing to simulate a person in a wetsuit in the water with a predatory shark was challenging but yielded encouraging results, showing that certain patterns can elicit different behaviors from sharks.
• 🌐 The concept is being scientifically tested and independently reviewed, emphasizing the importance of leading with scientific evidence.
• 💡 Science can be a tool for translation, taking existing evidence and translating it into practical solutions for human benefit, like designing wetsuits to reduce the risk of shark attacks.

Questions & Answers

Q: What breakthrough did Shark Attack Mitigation Systems and the University of Western Australia announce?

Shark Attack Mitigation Systems and the University of Western Australia announced the development of technology to mitigate or reduce the risk of shark attack based on the science of what sharks can see.

Q: What inspired the idea for using specific patterns on wetsuits to prevent shark attacks?

The idea for using specific patterns on wetsuits to prevent shark attacks was inspired by a conversation with famous naturalist Harry Butler, who suggested that a black wetsuit with yellow stripes would mimic the warning patterns of marine species. Further research found evidence of banding patterns in other species and even cultural practices in Pacific island tribes.

Q: What did the researchers at the University of Western Australia discover about the visual capabilities of predatory sharks?

The researchers at the University of Western Australia discovered that predatory sharks, such as great white, tiger, and bull sharks, see in black and white or grayscale.

Q: How did Shark Attack Mitigation Systems test the effectiveness of their wetsuits in preventing shark attacks?

Shark Attack Mitigation Systems conducted tests using perforated drums wrapped in neoprene skins, which were baited and observed with underwater cameras. They compared the shark's engagement with a control rig (black neoprene wetsuit) to the engagement with the SAMS technology rig (wetsuit with specific banding patterns). The tests showed that sharks exhibited more caution and reluctance towards the SAMS technology rig.

Q: What is the future of Shark Attack Mitigation Systems and their wetsuit technology?

Shark Attack Mitigation Systems is a biotechnology licensing company and plans to license others to produce wetsuits using their SAMS technology. The ongoing testing and research conducted by the University of Western Australia will be subject to peer review and publication. The company believes that this concept should be led with science and hopes to continue applying science as a tool for translation and innovation in the pursuit of shark attack prevention.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Scientific breakthroughs can come from observations in human anecdote and natural world adaptations, leading to surprising results.

• Western Australia has seen a rise in shark attacks, prompting the development of technology to reduce the risk of shark attacks based on the science of what sharks can see.

• The development of new wetsuits with specific patterns and shapes has shown promising results in mitigating the risk of shark attacks, based on testing with predatory sharks.