Australian researchers have conducted important tests to measure the protective qualities of bite-resistant wetsuit materials. These materials allowed sharks to interact directly with samples in a real ocean setting. According to the findings, these materials have the potential to greatly increase ocean safety for humans. Even though the chance of a fatal shark encounter is still very low—fewer than 50 unprovoked shark bites were reported globally in 2024, according to the International Shark Attack File at the Florida Museum of Natural History—the increase in shark sightings in some coastal areas is driving swimmers, surfers, and divers to seek new safety measures.
Scientists from Flinders University in Adelaide, Australia, tested four types of bite-resistant fabrics. They found that each one noticeably reduced the damage caused by shark bites. The research involved dragging material samples behind boats in the ocean, where large white and tiger sharks were likely to bite. The scientists acknowledged that while a bite from these large predators can still cause internal injuries, the tested materials showed better effectiveness than regular neoprene wetsuits. Overall, the findings suggested that the bite-resistant materials could “reduce injuries sustained from shark encounters,” according to Flinders professor Charlie Huveneers, a co-author of the study and part of the Southern Shark Ecology Group at Flinders.
Professor Huveneers further explained that these materials aim to lessen injury, not completely prevent a bite. This makes them a practical option for individuals participating in water activities. Co-author Tom Clarke, a researcher with Flinders’ science and engineering college, noted that while there were slight differences in performance among the four materials, all effectively “reduced the amount of substantial and critical damage, which would typically be associated with severe hemorrhaging and tissue or limb loss.” The result represents a notable upgrade over traditional protective wear.
The materials tested included Aqua Armour, Shark Stop, ActionTX-S, and Brewster. The research paper clearly stated that all these materials “offer an improved level of protection that can reduce severe wounds and blood loss and should be considered as part of the toolbox and measures available to reduce shark-bite risk and resulting injuries.” This is significant, especially since traditional shark-resistant options, like chainmail suits, have been around for years but are often impractical due to their stiffness and lack of flexibility for activities like surfing or diving. Newer wetsuit designs now combine flexibility with better protection.
Industry and Safety Implications
Marine science experts have warmly welcomed the positive results regarding effective shark-resistant wetsuits. Nick Whitney, a senior scientist and chair of the Fisheries Science and Emerging Technologies Program at the New England Aquarium’s Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life in Boston, expressed excitement about this development. He particularly noted its importance for those spending a lot of time in areas known for large sharks, like surfers and spearfishers. Whitney, who was not part of the Flinders study, found it reassuring that the gear is unlikely to give wearers a false sense of “invincibility,” which could lead to dangerous encounters with sharks.
Whitney also praised the straightforward nature of the protective approach, stating, “It’s basically very, very simple. In the extremely rare event of a shark bite, this material will hopefully reduce bleeding. This perspective emphasizes the materials’ role as a simple yet effective layer of defense.
In conclusion, the researchers warned that while the suits provide important protection, they do not completely remove all risks associated with sharks. Therefore, caution and established safety practices must remain a top priority when interacting with these animals. The team hopes that their research, published in the journal Wildlife Research, will help people “make appropriate decisions about the suitability of using these products” as a responsible part of their overall ocean safety plan.
