Auditory and Visual Stimuli’s Effect on Shark Feeding Behavior
Posted by Esther Jacobs on November 13, 2017
Read our our recent publication following a study on the the influence of light and sound on shark behaviour.
Sensory systems play an essential role in guiding animal behaviour, influencing how species navigate and interact with their surroundings. In the case of sharks, these systems—such as electro-magnetic, olfactory, visual, auditory, taste and tactile stimuli—are central to their behaviours. While much of the research on shark mitigation devices has focused on their electrosensory and olfactory systems, the effects of light and sound on their behaviour remain largely unexplored. This gap in knowledge is critical, as understanding these interactions may help reduce the negative impact of shark-human encounters.
In our recent study, we aimed to explore how intense strobe lights and artificial sounds—composed of mixed frequencies and intensities—could influence shark-feeding behaviour. By evaluating shark responses to these stimuli, we sought to understand if such auditory and visual triggers could be utilized as effective deterrents, particularly in reducing shark bites in populated coastal areas.
Our findings shed new light on the role of environmental cues in shaping shark behaviour, presenting new opportunities for shark bite mitigation strategies. This research has important implications for marine safety and conservation, offering potential applications in shark repellent technologies, beach safety initiatives, and commercial fishing operations.
These results represent a step forward in reducing shark bites without harming the animals, helping promote a more balanced coexistence between humans and sharks.