Overview

• Researchers found four materials—Aqua Armour, Shark Stop, ActionTX-S and Brewster—reduced substantial and critical lacerations and punctures versus conventional wetsuit neoprene.
• Live sea trials over roughly 30 days presented material‑wrapped ‘bite packages’ to sharks in South Australia’s Spencer Gulf and off Norfolk Island, recording 84 white shark and 68 tiger shark bites.
• The fabrics incorporate ultra‑high molecular weight polyethylene, providing flexibility and protection that traditional chainmail lacks for surfing and diving.
• Authors caution the gear does not prevent bites or stop internal or crushing injuries, and effectiveness was demonstrated on sharks up to about 3 meters in length.
• The work, funded by NSW Department of Primary Industries and the Australian Research Council and published in CSIRO’s Wildlife Research, supports a shift toward non‑lethal, personal mitigation options as policymakers reassess shark nets.