Notes

Shark Cloth: A Protective Measure Against Shark Bites
Sharks are powerful creatures that live in the ocean. They feed on the smallest organisms of the ocean (plankton), and can filter water as if it were a giant cleaner, removing large debris and separating what is good and bad. However, they are also one of the world's most endangered species. Around 100,000,000 sharks are killed by humans every year. Either as a direct target in fisheries and/or unintentionally in other fishing activities. Shark bites are most commonly caused by tissue injury, wounds, and blood loss.

Australian marine scientists have created a shark Cloth, a fabric that is designed to resist bites better than the neoprene standard material used in wetsuits. The new fabrics consist of high-performance materials that include ultra-high mollecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibres. This material is used in military gear and is ten times more durable than steel. The scientists first put the fabric to lab tests, then tested it in Neptune Islands Marine Park - a shark hotspot - where they observed several shark attacks. The fabric was found by scientists to be much more resistant against shark bites compared to standard neoprene.

The scientists discovered that the fabric is also more flexible and can be applied to a wide variety of garments including wetsuits or surfboard cover. They plan to continue developing it, and they are working in collaboration with other companies to design garments for ocean-sports where sharks can pose the greatest danger.

Currently the price of shark cloth can be prohibitive, but there are plans to develop a version that is affordable for surfers as well as ocean enthusiasts. sharkplush should be released late in 2018, with prices that are less than 200 dollars for a cover for a board or 300 dollars for a suit. The Shark Foundation will provide a match grant to help develop these garments. INSIGNIA SEO has invested in the project as an investor.

The small keychains with the SharkSCHOOL branding and logo are available for those who do not want to buy a whole shirt. They will be able to show their love for sharks, without having the Buttercloth shirts. This would make an excellent gift for any shark fan or as a stocking-stuffer.

You can find out more about the Shark Cloth and purchase a shirt on their Kickstarter Page. If you're interested in finding out more about the shark-human relationship, Erich K Ritter is a shark behavior expert who has written the book "Sharks and People". It's packed with information and explanations on the most recent shark behaviors and tested guidelines for how to interact responsibly with sharks.
Website: https://www.sharkplush.store/