I watched everyones favorite summer movie,Jaws, again on the weekend.
Fortunately, our relationship with sharks has come a long way from what we saw in the film.
Were getting the facts straight and shifting away from outdated protection methods.
And the most valuable tool in preventing shark bites is tech.
Shark bites are incredibly rare
Incidents of sharks biting humans are infrequent.
According to theInternational Shark Attack File, 137 alleged shark bites occurred last year.
Most attacks are related to surfing (51%).
Just 11 resulted in death thatsless than a thirdof US beach drownings so far this year.
But our approach to shark bites is far more reactive than in drowning prevention.
Shark nets and culls are outdated
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But fortunately, theres now an arsenal of tech to help prevent and mitigate the impact of shark bites.
In response, beach patrols deployeddronestopatrollocal beaches to detect sharks.
But there are also other options such asClever Buoy.
This data relays to lifeguards in real-time.
Combined with drones, its an important tool in preventing shark bites.
Preventing bites
An Australian company has created a wearable equipment that uses sound to repel sharks.
ThePersonal Shark Repellent(PSR) emits a patented acoustical frequency that repels sharks but does not harm them.
Over ten species of sharks at various locations worldwide have been consistently repelled between five and ten meters.
It automatically powers itself on and off via sensors that detect the presence of water.
Also from Australia isSharksuit.
The company has created wetsuits using fabric capable of withstanding live shark bites.
The wetsuits are made from ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene nanofiber (UHMWPE).
The fabric has a strength-to-weight ratio 50% greater than kevlar and 8-15 times greater than steel.
The material can withstand the considerable force of a shark bite.
The media is long criticized for beingbloodthirstyfor shark attacks.
This doesnt help change the cultural conversation around the fear of sharks.
Education has a long way to go.
Story byCate Lawrence
Cate Lawrence is an Australian tech journo living in Berlin.
