Developing a Safe Solution: The Quest for an Effective Shark Repellent

Scientists have developed an experimental spray that may be the first effective shark repellent. The idea emerged in 2001 after a series of shark attacks in the U.S. Chemist Eric Stroud was inspired by anecdotes suggesting dead sharks deter others, leading to a synthetic liquid mimicking these chemicals. After extensive testing in the Bahamas, the team hopes the repellent will protect both sharks and humans. With high demand, they aim to release an emergency kit next year, allowing safe swimming with sharks.

What event in 2001 led to the idea of developing a shark repellent?

• A new law protecting sharks

• A documentary on ocean predators

• A scientific conference on marine life

• A series of shark attacks in the United States

What inspired the creation of the man-made liquid for shark repellent?

• A new type of fishing net

• A traditional fishing method

• A chemical found in coral reefs

• Observations of sharks avoiding dead sharks

How many different compounds were tested during the experiments in the Bahamas?

• 200

• 50

• 100

• 150

What is one of the main goals of the shark repellent?

• To attract more tourists to beaches

• To make sharks more aggressive

• To protect both sharks and humans

• To increase shark populations

When do scientists hope to have an emergency repellent kit available on the market?

• By the end of the current year

• In two years

• By next year

• In five years