October 13, 2023, in an interview with Hawaii News Now. Our very own David Kelly from Hawaiian South Shore discussed the recent increase in shark activity on Oahu's South Shore and the growing demand for shark deterrents among surfers.

In April, a surfer lost his foot in a shark attack in the Kewalos area. Since then, there seems to be more shark activity, especially on O’ahu South Shore. David, who runs the Hawaiian South Shore Surf Shop, was surfing near the area when the attack happened. 

According to David, the spot where the attack happened was empty for a long time after the incident. When people slowly started getting back into the water, they still saw a lot of shark activity. It seems like they’re a little bit more aggressive. They had that mini hoodie contest a few weeks after that and had a shark splashing around in the water and things like that. They had to get the kids out of the water. That’s a little bit more aggressive.

David also talks about how surfers are reacting to the incident by going to shark deterrent advice. He mentions that they brought in a product called Sharkbanz, which can deter sharks by emitting electrical impulses from a portable device that someone would want to wear. The Sharkbanz has been studied by the University of Western Australia and the University of Miami and found that it does deter sharks. Of course, nothing is 100%, but it’s a little safety feature that you can have and feel better when you’re in the water.

Kelly also noted that a number of fishermen have also started using Sharkbanz, as they have found that they can be effective in deterring sharks from attacking their catch.

While David admitted that no shark deterrent is 100% effective, he said that Sharkbanz offers surfers and fishermen a little extra peace of mind when they are in the water.

What are shark deterrents?

Shark deterrents are devices or substances that are designed to discourage sharks from approaching or attacking humans. There are a variety of different shark deterrents on the market, including:

• Electromagnetic deterrents: These devices emit an electromagnetic field that is said to disrupt the shark's electrical senses.
• Acoustic deterrents: These devices emit a sound that is said to repel sharks.
• Olfactory deterrents: These substances emit a smell that is said to deter sharks.

How effective are shark deterrents?

The effectiveness of shark deterrents is a matter of some debate. Some studies have shown that certain shark deterrents, such as electromagnetic deterrents, can be effective in reducing the risk of shark attacks. However, other studies have shown that shark deterrents may not be as effective as previously thought.

It is important to note that no shark deterrent is 100% effective. Sharks are apex predators, and they are capable of attacking even when deterrents are present.

What are the benefits of using shark deterrents?

While shark deterrents are not a guarantee of safety, they can offer surfers and fishermen a little extra peace of mind when they are in the water. Shark deterrents can also help to raise awareness of shark safety and encourage people to take precautions when swimming or surfing in areas where sharks are known to be present.

What are the drawbacks of using shark deterrents?

Some shark deterrents can be expensive, and they may not be effective in all situations. Additionally, some people have raised concerns about the environmental impact of shark deterrents.

Should you use a shark deterrent?

The decision of whether or not to use a shark deterrent is a personal one. There are a number of factors to consider, such as the cost of the deterrent, its effectiveness, and your own personal comfort level.

If you are concerned about shark safety, it is important to do your research and choose a shark deterrent product that is right for you. You should also be aware of your surroundings and take precautions when swimming or surfing in areas where sharks are known to be present.

Here are some additional tips for staying safe in the water:

• Avoid swimming or surfing alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
• Be aware of your surroundings and avoid swimming in areas where sharks are known to be present.
• Do not splash or make excessive noise in the water.
• Avoid swimming with open wounds or bleeding.
• If you see a shark, do not panic. Slowly back away and exit the water.

Conclusion

Shark deterrents can offer surfers and fishermen a little extra peace of mind when they are in the water. However, it is important to remember that no shark deterrent is 100% effective. It is also important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions when swimming or surfing in areas where sharks are known to be present.