Overview

• Flinders University researchers report peer‑reviewed results in CSIRO’s Wildlife Research, with support from NSW Department of Primary Industries and the Australian Research Council.
• Across roughly 30 days at sea, the team attracted sharks and had them bite 3 mm fabric samples mounted on EVA‑foam blocks designed to mimic human tissue.
• The four materials—Aqua Armour, Shark Stop, ActionTX‑S and Brewster—reduced substantial and critical damage compared with standard neoprene, which researchers say could lessen blood loss and trauma.
• Authors caution the suits do not prevent internal or crushing injuries and recommend treating them as a complement to broader mitigation, education and policy measures.
• The study arrives during renewed scrutiny of shark nets in New South Wales, where a net‑removal trial remains on hold after a recent fatal great white attack near Dee Why Beach.