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Outdoors

SharkStopper is claimed to make you sound scary to sharks

By Ben Coxworth
August 19, 2014
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The SharkStopper PSR is worn on the ankle, and produces orca-like sounds
The SharkStopper PSR is worn on the ankle, and produces orca-like sounds
The PSR contains a sensor that automatically activates it when the wearer enters the water

As regular viewers of a certain TV channel will already know, the orca (or killer whale) is one of the only animals that kills sharks. It would follow, therefore, that sharks generally try to stay away from them. It was with this fact in mind that the SharkStopper Personal Shark Repellent (PSR) device was created. The ankle-worn gadget emulates orca vocalizations, and has reportedly been shown to repel various species of sharks.

The PSR contains a sensor that automatically activates it when the wearer enters the water. It then proceeds to emit a series of orca-like squeals, which are transmitted at a specific frequency which is also claimed to be unpleasant to sharks.

Open-water testing has been conducted in locations such as Bimini, Mexico, Hawaii and Florida. In all cases, sharks were first lured in with blood and bait. When the device was subsequently put in the water, however, it reportedly caused the animals to move away. It was tested on a number of species, over a range of 5 to 20 yards (4.5 to 18 m).

The PSR contains a sensor that automatically activates it when the wearer enters the water

The PSR is said to cause no actual harm to the sharks, and is also claimed not to repel other types of fish. Because of that, its designers are also working on another product that could be attached to commercial fishing lines and nets. It could both deter sharks from coming in to attack other fish that have already been caught, plus it could keep them from ending up on the lines or in the nets themselves.

The SharkStopper company is now raising production funds for the PSR, on Kickstarter. A pledge of US$225 will get you one, when and if they're ready to go. The planned retail price is $475.

Interestingly enough, the creators of another wearable orca-emulating shark-deterring gizmo also recently began a Kickstarter campaign. Their device is called the ORCA, although they recently cancelled their campaign due to lack of response, and are now backing the SharkStopper team.

More information is available in the pitch video below.

Sources: SharkStopper, Kickstarter via CNET

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OutdoorsSafetySwimmingSharksKickstarter
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Ben Coxworth
Based out of Edmonton, Canada, Ben Coxworth has been writing for New Atlas since 2009 and is presently Managing Editor for North America. An experienced freelance writer, he previously obtained an English BA from the University of Saskatchewan, then spent over 20 years working in various markets as a television reporter, producer and news videographer. Ben is particularly interested in scientific innovation, human-powered transportation, and the marine environment.
4 comments
JSmith
And this won't attract killer whales right?
thk
I wonder if the sound of Justin Bieber might work.
Slowburn
@ JSmith Assuming that sharks can recognize orca-like sounds as being killer whales but not what the beast is saying having the machine saying in whalish "Run for your lives!" will work on both.
Philip Young
The opening statement is incorrect. Groupers, octopi, and morays all eat sharks and vice versa depending on which creature is larger. Orcas are perhaps the only animal to kill adult great white sharks, they like the liver, for food. Bottlenose dolphins are also known to kill sharks, but not for food, rather out of defense of the pod.
Don't believe me? Just Google any of the above named and add attacking or killing a shark.
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