Bite-proof wetsuits are the latest tool in protecting swimmers against sharks, after testing by Australian experts.

Governments usually focus on area-based protection such as shark nets, but there is an increasing focus on personal deterrents as well.

Researchers from Flinders University’s southern shark ecology group tested the effects of four bite-resistant wetsuit materials – Aqua Armour, Shark Stop, ActionTx-S and Brewster.

The materials, which incorporate ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, a strong and light fibre often used in sailing rope, are lighter and more flexible than traditional chainmail suits, which were unsuitable for activities such as surfing or diving.

Dr Tom Clarke, Professor Charlie Huveneers, and experts from NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, assessed each material’s potential in reducing injuries from white and tiger sharks by quantifying the amount of bite damage across four categories of increasing severity (ranging from “superficial” to “critical”) and comparing it to damage on standard neoprene.

“While there were small differences between the four tested materials, they all reduced the amount of substantial and critical damage, which would typically be associated with severe haemorrhaging and tissue or limb loss,” Clarke said.

White and tiger sharks are responsible for the most unprovoked bites and are two of the top three species with the highest rate of fatal bites.

Interactions between humans and sharks continue to rise in frequency globally, with expanding coastal populations and rising popularity of marine activities.

“While these suits don’t eliminate all the risk (for example, internal injuries may still occur), our results indicate that they can reduce blood loss and trauma from major lacerations and punctures, potentially saving lives,” Huveneers said.

“Our findings will allow for informed decisions to be made about the use of bite-resistant wetsuit materials for occupational activities, as well as enabling the public to make appropriate decisions about the suitability of using these products.”