Overview

• Researchers spent about 30 days at sea attracting great white and tiger sharks to bite 3 mm fabric samples mounted on EVA foam blocks designed to mimic human tissue.
• All four materials—Aqua Armour, Shark Stop, ActionTX-S and Brewster—reduced substantial and critical lacerations and punctures compared with standard neoprene, which are injuries linked to severe hemorrhaging.
• Effectiveness was recorded against large sharks over 3 meters and during moderate and severe bites, indicating a potential increase in survival odds.
• The protective fabrics incorporate ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene to deliver puncture resistance with flexibility suitable for surfing and diving.
• The study, funded by NSW Department of Primary Industries and the Australian Research Council and published in CSIRO’s Wildlife Research (DOI: 10.1071/WR25019), informs a shift toward non-lethal personal protection as shark nets face scrutiny.