Some of the earliest research on shark repellents
Took place during the Second World War
When military services sought to minimize
The risk to stranded aviators and sailors in the water.
Studies at the time, combined with historical research,
Revealed that about the only thing that will
Drive sharks away is the odor of another dead shark.
Eventually it was determined that certain copper
Compounds could mimic a dead shark.
“Shark Chaser” was a combination of copper acetate
And a black dye to obscure the user.
It was first packaged in cake form using water soluble
Wax binder and rigged to life vests as a shark repellent.
The Navy supplied Shark Casher to sailors and aviators
Extensively between 1943 and 1973.
It is believed that the composition does repel sharks in
Some situations, but not in all, with about a
70% effectiveness rating.
How would you test shark repellent?