Anti-Shark Wetsuits - The Pattern Of Attack

[ricki]

https://radiator.net/


Some sharks may be genetically predisposed to poorly integrate, be intimidated by or otherwise ignore certain patterns the folks at the Australian firm Shark Attack Mitigation Systems (SAMS) have concluded. SAMS is a collaborative effort between University of Western Australia shark researchers, Professors Shaun Collin and Nathan Hart among others. How does it work? This is some of what they have to say about that on their website:

"Many years of anecdotal evidence suggests that a stripe pattern acts as a deterrent or repellent to sharks - but we now know there’s more to the story.

SAMS has applied scientific principles to this theory to discover that very specific contrasting, colours, shapes and dimensions work together for maximum effect. If you look closely, the stripes contain intricate detailing."





"Sharks actually have very good eyesight but they see colours and shapes quite differently to the way humans perceive them. Sharks see in black and white, but their perception of shading is very acute and impacted by the ‘reflective spectrum’ in the water (how bands of colour react to light).

Scientists note the distinctive vivid coloration of many fish species, including the striped pilotfish which spends it's life living alongside predatory sharks.

The Diverter™ pattern is designed to overtly present the wearer as unlike any shark prey, or even as an unpalatable or dangerous food option. At the very least this will provide the user with increased protection, but it could also provide the time needed to evacuate the area if a shark is in range."
http://www.sharkmitigation.com/






Some of the wetsuits scheduled to be released by Radiator.net Wetsuits the current licensee for this concept this September. These wetsuits are listed on their website at $AU429 to $AU 495 with the surfboard camo skin going for about $AU 79. Current exchange, $AU 1.00 = $USD 0.92 for about an 8% discount for US currency purchases.


"Mens Shark Deterrent Surf Wetsuit"


"elude mid™
Best suited for snorkelling & shallow to mid depth diving"


The "elude dark™ - Best suited for mid to deep depth diving"

Images from: https://radiator.net/sams/

Further comments about the concept:

"- The Elude suit's blue pattern can't be seen by the shark because the fish are colour blind
- The pattern uses disruptive coloration and shaping, which is difficult for a shark to see and also blends in with background colours
- The stripes on the Diverter suit mimic the colours of poisonous fish to warn the sharks off
- According to SAMS, years of anecdotal evidence suggests that a stripe pattern acts as a deterrent or repellent to sharks the scientists found that very specific contrasting colours, shapes and dimensions work together for maximum effect"
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencete...#ixzz2ZPI3fCRH "


SAMS has a caution to users on their website ending with:

"All sharks are dangerous and unpredictable creatures. It is impossible for SAMS to guarantee that 100% of sharks will be deterred under all circumstances with the SAMS technology. Water based activities in the presence of sharks is inherently dangerous and is not recommended therefore we recommend that if a shark is sighted that the user leaves the water. "


In closing, time will tell how effective this concept is in avoiding negative shark interactions. In the meantime have a care and be sure to use a more long standing but widely available shark deterrent, knowledge tempered by good common sense.

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