SharkDefense is a research organization and think tank focused on shark bycatch reduction.
These findings represent the first research efforts focused exclusively at selectively repelling sharks from commercial fishing gear without affecting the target catch.
The repellent effect of electropositive metals on sharks was confirmed by the National Marine Fisheries Service, notably, Stoner and Kaimmer,[2] and studies completed by Brill et al. (2008)[3] and Wang et al. (2008)[4] also support the repellent effects.
In 2014, SharkDefense partnered with SharkTec LLC to commercialize an aerosol semiochemical shark repellent product.
In 1943, Burden et al. from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) had reported that decayed shark tissue was successful at halting feeding in captive dusky smooth-hound sharks (Mustelis canis).
15, 2003 – First successful field test of a semiochemical shark repellent, Triangle Rocks, South Bimini, Bahamas 2.
Nov. 2004 – Accidental discovery of the repellent effects of a rare-earth magnet is made at the Oak Ridge Shark Lab 4.
Jul 12, 2005 – Testing at Achotines, Panama on captive yellowfin tuna (T. albacares) confirms that both semiochemical mixtures and the gustation compound are selective shark repellents and do not repel a commercially-valuable fish species.
Nov. 16, 2005 – Chemical repellents are successfully incorporated into a time-release gel matrix, providing more than 4 hours of protection time.
May 1, 2006 – Accidental discovery is made using an electropositive metal as an experimental control at South Bimini, Bahamas.
May 11, 2006 – SharkDefense is the grand prize winner of the 2006 WWF Smart Gear [1] competition for its proposal on permanent magnet shark repellents.
Mr. Eric M. Stroud (Seton Hall University, Ph.D. candidate) was the co-founder of SharkDefense and led the initial research to identify chemical repellent actives.
Dr. Patrick H. Rice (University of Miami, RSMAS), partner, joined the SharkDefense team in 2005 while researching the repellent effects of permanent magnets.
Mr. Craig P. O’Connell (Coastal Carolina University, Ph.D. student), partner, joined the SharkDefense team as marine biologist in 2006 while working on a contract shark repellent-sunscreen project at South Bimini, Bahamas.
Mr. Conrad Eskelinen (DiveBum Studios), partner, joined the SharkDefense team as creative director in 2010.
Dr. Samuel H. Gruber (University of Miami, RSMAS, professor emeritus), consultant, has assisted and supervised many SharkDefense repellent trials at the Bimini Biological Field Station.
Mr. Grant T. Johnson (South Bimini, Bahamas), consultant, providing field and testing support.
Ms. Katie Grudecki (South Bimini, Bahamas), consultant, providing field and testing support.
Analysis of permanent magnets as elasmobranch bycatch reduction devices in hook-and-line and longline trials.
Responses of the Southern Stingray (Dasyatis americana) and the Nurse Shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum) to Permanent Magnets.
Investigation of Grade C8 Barium Ferrite (BaFe2O4) Permanent Magnets as a Possible Elasmobranch Bycatch Reduction System.
Effects of the SMART Hook™ (Selective Magnetic and Repellent-Treated Hook) on Spiny Dogfish Catch in the Gulf of Maine.