When Australian researchers set out to test whether modern materials could withstand the crushing power of a great white shark's bite, they knew they were tackling one of our coast's most serious safety challenges.
The results, published just this month, offer genuine hope for anyone who loves our waters but worries about that statistically small yet psychologically large risk of a shark encounter.
After rigorous testing with live sharks up to three metres long, scientists from Flinders University have confirmed that bite-resistant wetsuits incorporating space-age fibres can significantly reduce the severity of injuries that typically prove fatal in shark attacks—massive blood loss and tissue damage.
Rising encounters in Australian waters
The timing couldn't be more relevant. Australia recorded 9 unprovoked shark incidents in 2024, lower than our five-year average of 15 incidents, with attacks spread across Western Australia (5), South Australia (1), Queensland (1) and New South Wales (2), and notably, no fatalities recorded across the entire country.
However, 2025 has already seen 11 shark attacks in Australia, including fatal incidents in Western Australia, Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia.
Australia ranks second globally in shark-related incidents, with our annual average increasing from nine bites per year between 1990 and 2000 to 22 bites per year from 2010 to 2020.
With 16.3 million Australians visiting our coast an average of 3.3 times per month—suggesting about 600 million individual coastal visits annually—the mathematical risk remains incredibly low, but the psychological impact on coastal communities is real.
'Our study showed that bite-resistant materials incorporated into wetsuits can reduce damage from large white and tiger sharks (up to 3 metres) compared to standard neoprene wetsuit, even from moderate and severe bites'
The science behind the protection
The study, funded by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Shark Management Program, tested four bite-resistant wetsuit materials—Aqua Armour, Shark Stop, ActionTX-S and Brewster material—assessing each material's potential in reducing injuries from white and tiger sharks by quantifying bite damage across four categories ranging from 'superficial' to 'critical'.
What makes these suits special is their use of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene fibres, commonly used in high-strength sailing ropes, which have a strength-to-weight ratio 50 per cent greater than Kevlar and 8-15 times greater than steel.
Unlike the heavy chainmail suits of old, these new materials offer both flexibility and protection, making them suitable for recreational activities like surfing and diving.
Australian shark attack reality check
Australia averages 20 shark incidents annually where people are injured
White sharks responsible for most unprovoked bites and highest fatality rate
88 per cent survival rate for those on watercraft during encounters vs 45 per cent for swimmers/divers
Most incidents occur near surf beaches due to mistaken identity
What the research revealed
The testing showed that while there were small differences between the four materials tested, they all reduced the amount of substantial and critical damage typically associated with severe haemorrhaging and tissue or limb loss.
Crucially, most shark-bite fatalities are due to blood loss, and the ability to reduce such blood loss along with rapid emergency responses could decrease fatalities and injuries.
The research was methodical and unbiased. The study was funded by government agencies and the Australian Research Council with no financial support from material manufacturers, allowing for objective assessments and enhanced credibility.
Testing included both laboratory puncture and laceration tests, plus field trials with live white sharks ranging 3-4 metres at the Neptune Islands Marine Park.
What bite-resistant wetsuits can and can't do
- Can significantly reduce blood loss and tissue damage from major lacerations
- Can't prevent internal injuries, crushing injuries, or fractures
- Most effective against the leading cause of shark attack deaths—blood loss
- Work best as part of a broader safety strategy, not as complete protection
- Currently available in four tested materials: Aqua Armour, Shark Stop, ActionTX-S, and Brewster
Real-world implications for water lovers
For those of us who've spent decades enjoying Australia's magnificent coastline, these developments represent a practical step forward rather than a magic solution.
While the suits don't eliminate all risk and internal injuries may still occur, the results indicate they can reduce blood loss and trauma from major lacerations and punctures, potentially saving lives.
The shift represents something bigger too—a move from reactive, often lethal shark mitigation measures towards preventive, non-lethal solutions. Rather than culling sharks or installing more nets, we're developing ways for humans and marine life to coexist more safely.
Expert cautions and practical considerations
Professor Charlie Huveneers, who leads Flinders University's Southern Shark Ecology Group, emphasises realistic expectations.
While bite-resistant wetsuits are not a panacea, their adoption could significantly decrease the severity of shark bite injuries, particularly in reducing major blood loss that increases survival rates.
The suits aren't yet widely available commercially, and pricing remains unclear from the research. Traditional wetsuit wearers should consider these suits as one element in a comprehensive safety approach that includes staying informed about local shark activity, avoiding dawn and dusk sessions when possible, and ensuring they're swimming or surfing with others.
For seniors who enjoy snorkelling, swimming, or diving, the psychological benefit of additional protection might prove as valuable as the physical protection itself. However, the suits won't replace good judgment about when and where to enter the water.
Source: YouTube
A practical step forward
These bite-resistant wetsuits can now be added to the 'toolkit' of measures available to reduce shark-bite risk and resulting injuries, joining electronic deterrents, improved beach surveillance, and better emergency response systems.
For a country where surfing, swimming, and diving are the activities most commonly associated with shark incidents due to their frequency in areas inhabited by sharks, every additional layer of protection matters.
The research continues, with scientists working to understand how these materials perform in full wetsuit designs and their potential impact on human flesh underneath. What's encouraging is that Australian innovation is leading the way in finding practical, non-lethal solutions to an age-old coastal challenge.
For those considering these protective suits when they become more readily available, remember that they represent just one part of ocean safety.
The best protection remains situational awareness, respect for marine environments, and the knowledge that our chances of a negative encounter remain extraordinarily small—but it's reassuring to know that Australian science is working to make those odds even better.
What's your experience with water activities along our coast? Have recent shark incidents changed how you approach ocean swimming or water sports? Share your thoughts and any safety strategies you've found helpful.
Original Article
https://www.9news.com.au/national/s...ustralia/119db29f-0575-4d7b-82bb-568c651f79c6
Yearly Worldwide Shark Attack Summary—International Shark Attack File
Cited text: Australia‘s total of 9 unprovoked incidents is lower than the five-year annual average of 15 incidents for the region. Five of these occurred in weste...
Excerpt: Australia recorded 9 unprovoked shark incidents in 2024, lower than our five-year average of 15 incidents, with attacks spread across Western Australia (5), South Australia (1), Queensland (1) and New South Wales (2), and notably, no…
https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/shark-attacks/yearly-worldwide-summary/
2025 Shark Attack Map • Tracking Sharks
Cited text: Western Australia has 3 ( 0 provoked), Fatal: 1, Unconfirmed: 0, shark attacks in 2025.
Excerpt: 2025 has already seen 11 shark attacks in Australia, including fatal incidents in Western Australia, Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia
https://www.trackingsharks.com/2025-shark-attack-map/
2025 Shark Attack Map • Tracking Sharks
Cited text: Queensland: has 4 (1 provoked), Fatal: 1, Unconfirmed 1, shark attacks in 2025. New South Wales: has 2 (0 provoked), Fatal: 1, Unconfirmed 0, shark at...
Excerpt: 2025 has already seen 11 shark attacks in Australia, including fatal incidents in Western Australia, Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia
https://www.trackingsharks.com/2025-shark-attack-map/
Global Shark Attacks Low in 2024—Shark Stewards
Cited text: In 2025, activity in Australia has been unusually high. There have been 5 shark attacks in Australia in 2025 as of February 19.
Excerpt: 2025 has already seen 11 shark attacks in Australia, including fatal incidents in Western Australia, Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia
https://sharkstewards.org/global-shark-attacks-low-in-2024/
Shark attacks in Australia—Wikipedia
Cited text: Australia reported the second-highest number of total shark related incidents, with the annual average increasing from nine bites per year between 199...
Excerpt: Australia ranks second globally in shark-related incidents, with our annual average increasing from nine bites per year between 1990 and 2000 to 22 bites per year from 2010 to 2020
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shark_attacks_in_Australia
Australian Shark Incident Database | Taronga Conservation Society Australia
Cited text: Surf Life Saving Australia’s annual National Coastal Safety Survey found that in the last 12 months 16.3 million Australians (aged 16+) visited the co...
Excerpt: With 16.3 million Australians visiting our coast an average of 3.3 times per month—suggesting about 600 million individual coastal visits annually
https://taronga.org.au/conservation-and-science/australian-shark-incident-database
Universities—New shark safety measure: Bite-resistant wetsuits can reduce injuries—Flinders | LiveNews.co.nz
Cited text: Governments are often focussed on area-based protection, but as recent studies have shown there is also increasing focus on personal deterrents and/or...
Excerpt: The study, funded by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Shark Management Program, tested four bite-resistant wetsuit materials—Aqua Armour, Shark Stop, ActionTX-S and Brewster material—assessing each…
https://livenews.co.nz/2025/09/25/u...istant-wetsuits-can-reduce-injuries-flinders/
Bite-resistant wetsuits can reduce injuries from sharks
Cited text: Credit: Flinders University · Dr. Tom Clarke, Professor Charlie Huveneers, and experts from New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regio...
Excerpt: The study, funded by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Shark Management Program, tested four bite-resistant wetsuit materials—Aqua Armour, Shark Stop, ActionTX-S and Brewster material—assessing each…
https://techxplore.com/news/2025-09-resistant-wetsuits-injuries-sharks.html
Shark Bite-Resistant Wetsuits Significantly Lower Injury Risk, Study Finds
Cited text: The Flinders team’s investigation centers on materials composed primarily of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene fibers—fibers also commonly empl...
Excerpt: ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene fibres, commonly used in high-strength sailing ropes, which have a strength-to-weight ratio 50 per cent greater than Kevlar and 8-15 times greater than steel
https://bioengineer.org/shark-bite-resistant-wetsuits-significantly-lower-injury-risk-study-finds/
Shark Proof Wetsuit Created With Bite Resistant Nanofibre—Unshootables
Cited text: “Shark Stop bite-resistant wetsuits incorporate space-age ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene nanofibre (UHMWPE). UHMWPE has a strength-to-weight...
Excerpt: ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene fibres, commonly used in high-strength sailing ropes, which have a strength-to-weight ratio 50 per cent greater than Kevlar and 8-15 times greater than steel
https://unshootables.com/shark-proof-wetsuit-created-with-bite-resistant-nanofibre/
Universities—New shark safety measure: Bite-resistant wetsuits can reduce injuries—Flinders | LiveNews.co.nz
Cited text: New wetsuits that incorporate strong and light fibre often used in sailing rope, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, offer both flexibility and ...
Excerpt: these new materials offer both flexibility and protection, making them suitable for recreational activities like surfing and diving
https://livenews.co.nz/2025/09/25/u...istant-wetsuits-can-reduce-injuries-flinders/
Universities—New shark safety measure: Bite-resistant wetsuits can reduce injuries—Flinders | LiveNews.co.nz
Cited text: “While there were small differences between the four tested materials, they all reduced the amount of substantial and critical damage, which would typ...
Excerpt: The testing showed that while there were small differences between the four materials tested, they all reduced the amount of substantial and critical damage typically associated with severe haemorrhaging and tissue or limb loss
https://livenews.co.nz/2025/09/25/u...istant-wetsuits-can-reduce-injuries-flinders/
Bite-resistant wetsuits can reduce injuries from sharks
Cited text: 'While there were small differences between the four tested materials, they all reduced the amount of substantial and critical damage, which would typ...
Excerpt: The testing showed that while there were small differences between the four materials tested, they all reduced the amount of substantial and critical damage typically associated with severe haemorrhaging and tissue or limb loss
https://techxplore.com/news/2025-09-resistant-wetsuits-injuries-sharks.html
Australian researchers test shark-bite resistant wetsuit
Cited text: 'However, most shark-bite fatalities are due to blood loss, and the ability to reduce such blood loss along with rapid emergency responses will hopefu...
Excerpt: most shark-bite fatalities are due to blood loss, and the ability to reduce such blood loss along with rapid emergency responses could decrease fatalities and injuries
https://phys.org/news/2019-01-australian-shark-bite-resistant-wetsuit.html
Shark Bite-Resistant Wetsuits Significantly Lower Injury Risk, Study Finds
Cited text: An important component of the research was its impartiality; the study was funded by the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional...
Excerpt: The study was funded by government agencies and the Australian Research Council with no financial support from material manufacturers, allowing for objective assessments and enhanced credibility
https://bioengineer.org/shark-bite-resistant-wetsuits-significantly-lower-injury-risk-study-finds/
Bite-resistant wetsuits can reduce injuries from sharks
Cited text: 'While these suits don't eliminate all the risk (e.g., internal injuries may still occur), our results indicate that they can reduce blood loss and tr...
Excerpt: While the suits don't eliminate all risk and internal injuries may still occur, the results indicate they can reduce blood loss and trauma from major lacerations and punctures, potentially saving lives
https://techxplore.com/news/2025-09-resistant-wetsuits-injuries-sharks.html
Shark Bite-Resistant Wetsuits Significantly Lower Injury Risk, Study Finds
Cited text: Furthermore, integrating bite-resistant materials into wetsuits represents a shift in shark-bite mitigation paradigms—from reactive, often lethal meas...
Excerpt: a move from reactive, often lethal shark mitigation measures towards preventive, non-lethal solutions
https://bioengineer.org/shark-bite-resistant-wetsuits-significantly-lower-injury-risk-study-finds/
Shark Bite-Resistant Wetsuits Significantly Lower Injury Risk, Study Finds
Cited text: Tom Clarke and Professor Charlie Huveneers, leading members of the Southern Shark Ecology Group at Flinders University, stress that while bite-resista...
Excerpt: While bite-resistant wetsuits are not a panacea, their adoption could significantly decrease the severity of shark bite injuries
https://bioengineer.org/shark-bite-resistant-wetsuits-significantly-lower-injury-risk-study-finds/
Shark Bite-Resistant Wetsuits Significantly Lower Injury Risk, Study Finds
Cited text: Dr. Tom Clarke and Professor Charlie Huveneers, leading members of the Southern Shark Ecology Group at Flinders University, stress that while bite-res...
Excerpt: While bite-resistant wetsuits are not a panacea, their adoption could significantly decrease the severity of shark bite injuries
https://bioengineer.org/shark-bite-resistant-wetsuits-significantly-lower-injury-risk-study-finds/
Bite-resistant wetsuits can reduce injuries from sharks
Cited text: While internal and crushing injuries may still occur, bite-resistant wetsuits can now be added to the "toolkit" of measures available to red...
Excerpt: These bite-resistant wetsuits can now be added to the 'toolkit' of measures available to reduce shark-bite risk and resulting injuries
https://techxplore.com/news/2025-09-resistant-wetsuits-injuries-sharks.html
Bite-resistant wetsuits can reduce injuries from sharks
Cited text: While internal and crushing injuries may still occur, bite-resistant wetsuits can now be added to the 'toolkit' of measures available to reduce shark-...
Excerpt: These bite-resistant wetsuits can now be added to the 'toolkit' of measures available to reduce shark-bite risk and resulting injuries
https://techxplore.com/news/2025-09-resistant-wetsuits-injuries-sharks.html
Shark Attacks in Australia [Updated September 2025]
Cited text: Surfing, swimming, and diving are the activities most commonly associated with shark attacks. This may be due to the frequency of these activities in ...
Excerpt: surfing, swimming, and diving are the activities most commonly associated with shark incidents due to their frequency in areas inhabited by sharks
https://www.sharksider.com/shark-attacks-in-australia/
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