Australian scientists have tested new materials that could be developed into shark bite-resistant gear, aiming to reduce injury risks for divers and surfers. While wetsuits made from these materials may not prevent internal and crushing injuries, they can serve as an important part of a broader toolkit designed to lower the chances and severity of shark bite injuries, according to researchers from Flinders University.
Shark bites are rare but can have a significant impact on coastal communities and businesses, especially in regions reliant on water-based tourism. Governments currently implement area-based protective measures, but there is growing interest in personal deterrents such as bite-resistant wetsuits and electric stun guns.
These innovative wetsuits have emerged as a promising solution to reduce the severity of injuries caused by shark bites, including lacerations, punctures, and tissue and blood loss. The new study, published in the journal *Wildlife Research*, evaluated four bite-resistant wetsuit materials—Aqua Armour, Shark Stop, ActionTX-S, and Brewster material—to assess their effectiveness against bites from white and tiger sharks. These two shark species are responsible for the most unprovoked bites and rank among the top three species causing fatal bites, according to previous research.
Scientists note that interactions between humans and these sharks are increasing due to expanding coastal populations and the rising popularity of marine activities. Traditional protective suits made of chainmail do provide effective protection but are considered too heavy and inflexible for activities like surfing or diving.
In contrast, wetsuits made from the new materials contain strong, lightweight fibers typically used in sailing ropes. These fibers are composed of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, offering both flexibility and protection, which makes them more suitable for recreational water activities.
To evaluate the protective potential, researchers quantified bite damage inflicted by white and tiger sharks across four severity categories—ranging from superficial to critical—and compared these results to damage sustained by standard neoprene wetsuits. Although differences among the four tested materials were minor, all of them significantly reduced substantial and critical damage, which is typically associated with severe hemorrhaging and tissue or limb loss.
“Our study showed that bite-resistant materials incorporated into wetsuits can reduce damage from large white and tiger sharks compared to a standard neoprene wetsuit, even from moderate and severe bites,” said study author Dr. Charlie Huveneers from Flinders University.
The researchers hope that these findings will lead to the development of improved bite-resistant wetsuits and enable individuals to make better-informed decisions regarding the effectiveness of these protective products.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/shark-bites-surfers-suit-divers-b2833276.html