Research

Sounds

Baseline

Sharks can generally be attracted by sounds, if these fall within a specific frequency bandwidth and rhythm. First results already exist, but these date from 30 years back, and they were made artificially.

Target

Record various sound-patterns created by people doing different activities, replay these sounds near sharks, observer and register differences in swimming patterns which might be caused by the sounds. A second phase will compare the sounds generated by humans with those generated by different fish species.

Species observed

Bullsharks, lemon sharks

Timeframe

Open

Benefit for people

If it can be proven that for example clapping hands on the water ultimately attracts sharks, and if that can be made clear to surfers so they be more careful when they go out on their surfboards, incidents with sharks can be reduced. The results are also valuable for people playing on the beach, especially for children. If parents can be made aware of the dangerous situations and watch their children acoordingly, incidents with sharks and the fear from thme can be reduced. People will be more willing to protect the animals.