FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. \u2014 A new shark-repellent device demonstrated in a viral YouTube video is drawing attention for what appears to be its ability to drive away dozens of sharks with a single blast.<\/p>\n
The video opens with a diver surrounded by many sharks, moments later, his partner fires a handheld canister that releases a burst of white foam. The sharks immediately scatter.<\/p>\n
Dramatic, yes \u2014 but is it real?<\/p>\n
Marine biologist David Schneider, the inventor behind the device, says it is. Schneider calls his creation the \u201cShark Skunker,\u201d a repellent he says is easy to use, environmentally safe and potentially life-saving.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne of my main goals here is to lessen the fear of the shark,\u201d Schneider said.<\/p>\n
During a demonstration, Schneider held the device tightly as he explained how it works. The chemical inside, sodium lauryl sulfate, is commonly found in soaps, shampoos and shaving creams. <\/p>\n
When released, it creates a four- to five-second cloud of foam that coats a shark\u2019s gills and causes temporary irritation.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe sharks don\u2019t like it because it coats their gills, but as they swim, it rinses off \u2014 just like washing your hands,\u201d Schneider said.<\/p>\n
In the demonstration, nearby snorkelers didn\u2019t notice anything unusual even as the blast dispersed underwater.<\/p>\n
Schneider said he has multiple versions in the works: a floating model for lifeguards to tow during emergencies, variations designed for boaters and yacht owners, and a deep-sea model for salvage crews and oil-rig workers.<\/p>\n
Testing is ongoing, and Schneider is awaiting a patent.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve been able to do bull sharks, lemon sharks, reef sharks, tiger sharks,\u201d he said. \u201cHaven\u2019t gotten to great whites yet, but it\u2019s certain to repel them as well.\u201d<\/p>\n
The YouTube video has fueled public curiosity \u2014 and Schneider hopes his invention will eventually help both people and sharks stay safer in the water.<\/p>\n
\ud83c\udfe0 News From Your Neighborhood<\/p>\n
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