Shark protection strategies have come into sharp focus in recent months. While there will always be passionate debates about how the government should respond, concerned surfers do have the option of taking matters into their own hands. There are a few shark protection products on the market at the moment and we’ll be discussing them in the coming weeks. Testing these technologies is problematic so we would urge anyone who has tried them – particularly while diving or spearfishing – to leave feedback. First up Sharkbanz – a lightweight ankle band that uses magnets to deter sharks. Tracks contacted Sharkbanz Asia Pacific CEO, Charmaine Wilson, to find out more.
In layman’s terms: how do Sharkbanz work?
Sharkbanz work by disrupting the shark’s very sensitive electromagnetic sense called the AOL or Ampullae of Lorenzini. Sharks rely on this sense to work out what’s around them particularly in murky conditions when visibility is poor.
Is the research used to back your product independent or are the marine scientists cited on your website affiliated with your company?
This is a very important question and is best explained if I give you a snapshot of the science behind our product. Sharkdefense Technologies, a US research group, were working on ways to reduce by-catch reduction for the US fishing industry. Dr Eric Stroud and Dr Patrick Rice, both with differing areas of marine biology and chemistry between them, through a serendipitous moment discovered that the sharks in their lab had an extreme reaction to magnets when dropped next to the sharks in their tank. This led to months of developing and testing the idea that sharks could indeed be repelled by a particular magnet. They received grants from the US government after favourable trials leading to patent applications for various carrier systems for use in the commercial fishing industry for long line by-catch reduction. Nathan and David Garrison worked in partnership with Dr Stroud and Dr Rice to develop a device that was small enough to be used as a personal deterrent. Plenty of research and development to create a small band and then testing and filming were undertaken for promotional material. So to answer your question: Sharkbanz have been tested by scientists affiliated with Sharkbanz. However the scientific theory of the effects of magnetoreception on sharks has been well documented by independent scientists and peer reviewed, many papers of which are readily available online. Many people quite rightly focus on what testing has been carried out for Sharkbanz and of course we are diligent and test as necessary however we feel people should understand the science behind the technology.
Are Sharkbanz effective with Great White Sharks?
Sharkbanz can be effective against deterring investigative GWS. We don’t say Sharkbanz are an effective deterrent against GWS because they will not prevent an ambush attack. That said, it’s more about reducing the odds, and you’re better off with Sharkbanz than nothing. Our goal was to provide a simple, affordable defence against sharks whereas previously there was none.
Are there any negative effects to marine life? For example if every surfer was wearing one at a crowded break?
There are no effects to marine life other than skates and rays that also have the same AOL. The magnetic field produced by Sharkbanz is maximum two meters. Beyond that the field drops off significantly and is weaker than the Earth’s magnetic field so it would be undetectable.
Do they negate the need for large scale government responses? Shark nets, etc.?
By wearing Sharkbanz the individual takes responsibility for their own safety. When entering the ocean we must always take precautions to reduce our own risk of injury, being aware of the hazards and using a deterrent may well be part of the solution.
What is the shelf life of the product? Do you switch it on and off or is it “on” all the time?
They are magnetic so are always ‘on’. No batteries or recharging required. Just the movement of the ocean are enough to produce a magnetic field. Magnets are quite robust so as long as you store them in their protective box and keep away from extreme heat should last quite some time.
Has the recent uptick in shark encounters affected sales? And are you selling more to divers or surfers at this stage?
There has been a well-documented increase in encounters in both the US and Australia this year with many water users reviewing the different technologies available as a result. Probably our biggest market has been surfers and that would include SUPs, wake and body boarders, followed by ocean swimmers and spear fishers.
Sharkbanz are available online for $149. You can read more about the product at www.sharkbanz.com.au
