Innovative LED Lights on Surfboards May Reduce Shark Attacks, Say Researchers

Mon Jul 27 2026 14:04:47 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

**Innovative LED Lights on Surfboards May Reduce Shark Attacks, Say Researchers**

Australian scientists examine the potential of LED lights to lower great white shark encounters while surfing.

A recent study reveals that affixing LED lights under surfboards may deter shark attacks by altering the visual perception of surfers from below the water.

In a groundbreaking study conducted in Mossel Bay, South Africa, researchers from Macquarie University in New South Wales tested the effectiveness of LED strip lights affixed to the bottom of surfboards. The study aimed to determine if these lights could reduce the likelihood of shark attacks, particularly from great white sharks, which are known for their role in the majority of fatal encounters with humans.

The experiment involved towing seal-shaped boards equipped with different LED configurations behind a boat, assessing which designs garnered more attention from sharks. The scientific team found that the lights distorted the shape of their decoys, reducing the sharks' ability to recognize their targets, particularly under bright sunlight. Lead researcher Laura Ryan stated that this innovation could serve as a non-invasive alternative to traditional deterrents like nets or drones.

Great white sharks often look upward from beneath the surface when identifying prey, which can lead to surfers being mistaken for seals due to their silhouettes. The research underscores the necessity of further exploration into whether these LED lights may also deter other shark species, such as bull sharks and tiger sharks, that have been involved in similar attacks on humans.

Statistics indicate that there were 69 unprovoked shark bites reported in 2023, predominantly in the United States, Australia, and South Africa, with ten fatal incidents. The findings of the Australian study, published in the journal *Current Biology*, suggest that boards equipped with the brightest, horizontally-aligned lights attract less attention from sharks.

The researchers highlighted the significance of the color contrast between the dark silhouettes of surfers and the brighter ocean backdrop. They noted, “Our results illustrate the crucial role of silhouette alteration in influencing predatory behavior of great white sharks." Surprisingly, the study indicated that the sharks showed less interest in the brightest lights, which contradicts previous research suggesting many shark species tend to be attracted to shiny objects.

Looking forward, the team is in the process of developing prototype lighting strips to conduct further tests on surfboards and kayaks, with the hope of enhancing safety for water sports enthusiasts.