Scientists unveil shark-proof wetsuit resistant to Great White bites

Scientists have unveiled a shark-proof wetsuit that resists bites from Great White sharks, a development that could shift how people approach ocean recreation and related occupations. The suit’s protective core combines strong, light fibers commonly used in sailing rope with ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene, a material widely used in cut-resistant gear. The goal is to provide both flexibility and protection, making the wetsuit a more practical option for surfers, divers and others who face shark encounters in open water.

In controlled tests described in a new study, four bite-resistant materials—Aqua Armour, Shark Stop, ActionTX-S and Brewster—were evaluated for their ability to blunt bites from white and tiger sharks and were compared with standard neoprene. The researchers found that all four materials significantly reduced the severity of damage from bites, including deep lacerations and tissue tearing, which are typically associated with major hemorrhaging. While the level of protection varied somewhat among the materials, none failed to prevent substantial injury in the tests.

Lead author Dr Tom Clarke of the College of Science and Engineering at Flinders University emphasized that the results do not imply risk-free diving, but they do offer a meaningful reduction in harm. The researchers say the bite-resistant materials can lower blood loss and trauma from large shark bites and potentially save lives. The findings are intended to inform decisions about the use of bite-resistant wetsuit materials for both occupational activities and public safety considerations, helping people assess whether such protective gear is appropriate for their circumstances.

Professor Charlie Huveneers, who leads the Southern Shark Ecology Group, said the work should augment existing safety measures rather than replace them. The study indicates that bite-resistant materials can reduce damage from bites by white and tiger sharks, including encounters with sharks up to about three meters in length, but they do not eliminate all risk, such as internal injuries. The researchers stressed that bite-resistant wetsuits represent a non-lethal approach to mitigating injuries in shark encounters and should be considered as part of a broader safety strategy.

Data released last year highlighted an uptick in fatal shark attacks in 2023 worldwide. Researchers at the University of Florida found that deaths due to apex predators doubled to 10 fatalities, up from five the prior year. The rise was attributed to more people spending time in the ocean and improved reporting of bites and fatalities. The study noted that great whites, tiger and bull sharks accounted for the majority of fatalities, underscoring the ongoing danger sharks pose even as protective technologies evolve.

The researchers argue that shifting emphasis from lethal interventions toward non-lethal protections could help reduce casualties. The team concluded that bite-resistant materials integrated into wetsuits can lessen damage from bites by large white and tiger sharks—compared with standard neoprene—even from moderate and severe bites, potentially offering a lifeline for surfers, divers and others who frequent shark-inhabited waters.

Sharks are among the ocean’s most efficient predators, a design that has persisted for hundreds of millions of years. Their teeth, which can regrow when lost, and their speed in water contribute to their fearsome reputation. While the renewed interest in protective gear marks a step forward in risk management, researchers stress that the best defense remains situational awareness, adherence to safety guidelines and a respect for marine life. The study’s authors hope their findings will inform public and occupational decisions about protective gear and encourage the continued development of non-lethal approaches to reducing shark-related injuries.