Australian shark researchers tested four bite-resistant materials. Their goal was to cut injuries and blood loss from shark attacks.
Scientists from Flinders University’s Southern Shark Ecology Group stress that internal injuries may still occur. But they now see bite-resistant wetsuits as a vital tool in reducing shark attack risks.
Protective suits as a new defense
Shark attacks on humans are rare. But they hit coastal communities hard, especially where tourism and water sports are central. Pressure on governments for stronger swimmer protection often follows.
Authorities usually focus on area-based protection. Yet recent studies highlight the growing role of personal protection, including bite-resistant wetsuits.
Four materials put to the test
The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development funded the study. Researchers tested Aqua Armour, Shark Stop, ActionTX-S, and Brewster material against bites from white and tiger sharks.
Older chainmail suits offered protection. But they were too heavy and stiff for surfing or diving. Modern suits use ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, also found in sailing ropes. They combine strength and flexibility, making them fit for recreational use.
Measuring the level of damage
Dr Tom Clarke, Professor Charlie Huveneers, and NSW experts assessed injury reduction. They rated the damage in four categories, from “superficial” to “critical,” and compared results with standard neoprene.
“There were only small differences between the materials. But all reduced severe and critical injuries linked to blood loss or limb damage,” says Dr Clarke.
White and tiger sharks under scrutiny
White and tiger sharks cause most unprovoked bites. They rank among the species with the highest fatality rates. Encounters between humans and sharks keep rising worldwide, driven by coastal growth and water recreation.
“Our study shows that bite-resistant wetsuits can reduce damage from large sharks over three meters, even in severe bites,” says Prof Huveneers.
Suits lower risks but don’t remove them
Researchers stress that internal damage remains possible. But the suits cut blood loss and trauma from deep lacerations and punctures. Survival chances improve significantly.
“Our findings help workers in shark-prone jobs make safer choices. They also let the public judge whether these suits suit their needs,” says Prof Huveneers.
Key findings
Wetsuits with bite-resistant materials offer a fresh way to reduce shark fatalities. They lessen the severity of injuries and limit blood loss and tissue damage.
The trend in shark safety is shifting. Deadly methods are giving way to non-lethal alternatives. Personal protection such as electric deterrents and bite-resistant suits gains traction. They help lower encounters, reduce injuries, and raise survival odds.
The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and the Australian Research Council funded the study. No money came from the inventors or manufacturers of the materials.
