TEST OF NUWC SHARK ATTACK DETERRENT DEVICE
Abstract
Plasticized bags were tested and found to offer advantages over chemical repellents and electrical devices that were tested for effectiveness in protecting humans against shark attack, including the chemical substance presently issued by the Navy. When not motivated by food, both captive and free- swimming sharks tended to avoid the bags. Only rarely were free-swimming sharks seen to circle a bag at sufficiently close range to brush against it. Even when motivated by food, the sharks did not attack the bag, although they did bump or brush against it with their bodies when feeding on chum close to the bag. (In one instance, a bag bottom corner was bitten; however, this was during a period of competition among sharks for a fish suspended between two bags). When the bag was occupied by a human in the presence of free-swimming sharks (which occurred in only one test), the sharks did not attack the bag. A grey shark brushed against it, but the contact was not felt by the human occupant.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1968
- Accession Number
- AD0835268
Entities
People
- Albert L. Tester
- Charles I. Daniels
- Gareth J. Nelson
Organizations
- Naval Undersea Warfare Center