Shark!
That one word has an unmatched ability to throw a normally rational human into a hysterical, terrified mess. Sharks are vilified like in films like Jaws and the stuff of folklore.
Obviously there is something primal at play in the brain telling you to stay well clear of the shark's domain. Often video footage of sharks often portrays them as ruthless hunting machines; those black eyes being a window to a soul-less feeding machine. But, during my thorough analysis and scientific research (through mediums like Discovery Channel), it seems we are now learning how intelligent, calculated and most likely, uninterested in humans, sharks really are.
Nevertheless, shark attacks happen and are horrible for victims, friends and family and the community more generally (not to mention the shark itself if it becomes the target of a witchhunt).
There have been several attempts at solutions so we can all live & play together, and there is high hopes that the most recent might just be a winner. Read on for more info.
Shark Nets; mindlessly killing everything?
Designer wetsuits; Placebo effect?
You may also have seen the shark repellant wetsuits. To be more accurate, they work by either camouflaging the surfer with the water, or disguising the surfer as something a shark wouldn't want to eat because it may be poisonous. Some people claim they have no impact, while others suggested they may make the wearer even more of a target!
Shark Repellant & Deterrents; the answer?
But, here is the latest tech, and it looks good. I think I may have seen some of the research for this in aforementioned Discovery Channel documentary a few years ago. SharkBanz use the shark's electro-receptors (part of their hunting system if visibility is poor) and send out a magnetic signal which disrupts the shark and deters it from looking closer - Shakbanz claim this is like having a bright light shining in your eyes.
Only time will tell if this is a genuine solution, if sharks adjust (Darwin on steroids style) or if it simply is not effective on sharks as they thought. Cue Public relations nightmare, and what about lawsuits for that matter?!
What do you think - will this new tech work? Should we hunt down sharks, or accept that we are in their domain and be mindful of the associated risks?
Thanks again - talk soon,
James (Mammoth)
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