Scientists find new bite-resistant wetsuits can reduce shark bite injuries - 1News

Australian scientists from Flinders University tested bite-resistant wetsuits by allowing sharks to bite material samples at sea, discovering significant protection benefits for swimmers and surfers.

Researchers dragged four different bite-resistant materials behind boats, allowing white and tiger sharks to attack the samples in real ocean conditions. While fatal shark attacks remain extremely rare with less than 50 unprovoked bites globally in 2024, the study addresses growing safety concerns among water sports enthusiasts. The tested materials showed substantial improvements over standard neoprene wetsuits in reducing severe tissue damage and blood loss.

• All four materials (Aqua Armour, Shark Stop, ActionTX-S, and Brewster) significantly reduced critical damage typically associated with severe bleeding and limb loss
• The suits offer flexibility for surfing and diving unlike traditional chainmail protection, while still providing meaningful bite resistance
• Materials don't prevent shark bites entirely but can dramatically reduce injury severity in the extremely rare event of an attack
• Unlike behavioral deterrents, these suits provide passive protection without relying on changing shark behavior or making users feel invincible