Want to Keep Sharks Away? Try Magnets
August 14, 2018 - Fishermen have long used bait to ensure a good catch. But bait also attracts sharks and rays that get caught in traps. A recent study shows that magnets placed on the nets can repel sharks and rays from entering the trap. Sharks have sensory pores on the front of their heads, which allow them to detect electrical currents generated by their prey. This helps them sense their food even if they can’t see or smell it. Scientists found that magnetic fields can confuse their senses. They set up bait traps with magnets to see how the sharks would respond. One scientist said magnets are the shark equivalent of opening a door to a room and getting hit with a bad smell. This is good news for fishermen who may be able to use magnets to avoid catching sharks and rays. “If we can reduce our shark bycatch, that’s a step in the right direction,” says Vincent Raoult, an author of the study.
Transcript
Fishermen have long used bait to ensure a good catch.
But bait also attracts sharks and rays that get caught in traps.
A recent study shows that magnets placed on the nets can repel sharks and rays from entering the trap.
Sharks have sensory pores on the front of their heads, which allow them to detect electrical currents generated by their prey.
This helps them sense their food even if they can’t see or smell it.
Scientists found that magnetic fields can confuse their senses.
They set up bait traps with magnets to see how the sharks would respond.
One scientist said magnets are the shark equivalent of opening a door to a room and getting hit with a bad smell.
This is good news for fishermen who may be able to use magnets to avoid catching sharks and rays.
“If we can reduce our shark bycatch, that’s a step in the right direction,” says Vincent Raoult, an author of the study.
