Shark Repellant ?
I recently read about a shark repellant device for surfers that relies on creating an electro-magnetic field around the user, that apparently sharks find irritating and unpleasant. Researched here in South Africa and South Australia, its available on the market to purchase. Some information about it is available here.
My suspicion is that surfers resent even having to put on a wetsuit. Putting on an extra device like this for a miniscule (but admittedly very real) threat is probably going to be too much trouble, especially as a sufficiently upset shark is hardly going to be troubled by a small electrical current. Perhaps the designers should find something that can rather be attached to the board (and is thus easier for surfers to ignore).
9 Mar 2005: Update: The link above has died from linkrot. Try the following link
9 Mar 2005: 2nd Update:
I've been reluctant to mention this, but about two weeks ago, I spotted a great white shark for the first time in natural conditions...at Derdesteen. Not sure what else to say. Naturally I got out the water asap (but went back in after half an hour). I've been in about four times since then, but its not been quite the same.
I'd always tried to convince myself that the sharks stayed away from Table Bay because of the nearby harbour (hoping that the electromagnetic radiation from the boats etc would drive them off). But the regular presence of seals meant I knew I was kidding myself. And now I know for sure I was.
I checked out the prices of these products, at about 500 US dollars they are very very pricy. Tough call...
My suspicion is that surfers resent even having to put on a wetsuit. Putting on an extra device like this for a miniscule (but admittedly very real) threat is probably going to be too much trouble, especially as a sufficiently upset shark is hardly going to be troubled by a small electrical current. Perhaps the designers should find something that can rather be attached to the board (and is thus easier for surfers to ignore).
9 Mar 2005: Update: The link above has died from linkrot. Try the following link
9 Mar 2005: 2nd Update:
I've been reluctant to mention this, but about two weeks ago, I spotted a great white shark for the first time in natural conditions...at Derdesteen. Not sure what else to say. Naturally I got out the water asap (but went back in after half an hour). I've been in about four times since then, but its not been quite the same.
I'd always tried to convince myself that the sharks stayed away from Table Bay because of the nearby harbour (hoping that the electromagnetic radiation from the boats etc would drive them off). But the regular presence of seals meant I knew I was kidding myself. And now I know for sure I was.
I checked out the prices of these products, at about 500 US dollars they are very very pricy. Tough call...
2 Comments:
At 09 March, 2005 19:35,
Anonymous said…
Aloha Chris from Zero's... sets of 8 to 10 today... the file on "electro-magnetic shark repellant" would not open. (posted Jul 15/04) can you give me any more info on the company? stay wet... G
At 09 March, 2005 21:50,
amnoti said…
it's been around for a while (not sure if they say that on the link) - i rem. reading about it more than 5 years ago, there was even a TV insert about it, and they interviewed surfers, who had exactly your attitude.
there were also plans to insert it into the fin of the surfboard, which would off course be nicer than putting something on ea. time.
i just read a story (in german only unfortunately) where this device featured, and it was very effective - but that's fiction for you!
i think it ought to be very effective though - sharks attack out of interest - and if there is something that makes them uncomfortable, they ought to lose interest in it - however, no shark wanted to go on record
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