'Invisibility' wetsuit promises protection in land of killer sharks (LA Times)

[petronius]

Can a wetsuit protect a diver from sharks? In Western Australia, where shark attacks (although still rare) have risen sharply, officials and scientists alike are testing whether the answer may lie in fashion.

So, when it comes to avoiding sharks, is it better to stand out or to fade into the background?

A "conspicuous" wetsuit with big white and deep-blue stripes on the arms and legs makes a diver obvious to sharks. A "cryptic" version has been likened to the Harry Potter invisibility cloak. It comes in shades of white, gray and aqua.

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http://www.latimes.com/news/world/worldnow/la-fg-wn-australia-invisibility-wetsuit-20130718,0,3854974,full.story

I sort of like the blue one there, but I'll pass on the zebra-suit. Although I guess you have to weigh the pros and cons: is it more likely that I will ever need to not be seen by a shark, or is it more likely that a time will arise that I really do want to be seen by a dive buddy, rescuer, or passing boater?

A shark expert in the article expresses some skepticism of both designs, by the way...

[rrneck]

1. I didn't know sharks could see in color. mtg

[petronius]

2. I was looking that up a few weeks ago - after it suddenly struck me that one

of my surfboards is mostly red on the bottom. I think the most likely case is that they can't see colors; it's the shapes and outlines, light-dark variations, and contrast with the background that matters. So no matter what the actual color, being darkish and seal-shaped might be an error...

[ManiacJoe]

3. A documentary years ago suggested the problem might be the surf boards.

Back in the 50s and 60s, everyone was using the long boards. When viewed from underneath, the surfers looked rather odd. There were very few shark attacks.

Now everyone tends to use the short boards. When viewed from underneath, the surfers, as they lie on the back of the board, tend to look like seals, which are the sharks' favorite food. Attacks have noticeably risen.

Seemed reasonable to me at the time...