A new study reveals that cuttlefish ink, rich in melanin, can disrupt sharks' sense of smell, acting as a natural repellent. This discovery provides a promising avenue for safer and more effective shark deterrents.
Researchers from University College Dublin (UCD) and Florida Atlantic University have discovered that cuttlefish ink acts as a chemical repellent against sharks, potentially offering a safer and more effective alternative to existing deterrents. The study revealed that melanin, the primary component of cuttlefish ink, can bind to shark olfactory receptors, overwhelming their sense of smell.
This disruption of their primary hunting tool could encourage sharks to avoid areas where the ink is present. This discovery comes at a time when shark attacks are on the rise, with the U.S. reporting the highest number of unprovoked bites globally. The researchers used genetic data to model the three-dimensional structures of shark olfactory receptors, demonstrating melanin's ability to bind and interfere with their sense of smell. The potential applications of this finding are vast, ranging from deploying targeted repellents near beaches and aquaculture sites to protecting endangered sharks by keeping them away from polluted or heavily fished areas. Current shark deterrents, such as gill nets and drumlines, are invasive and can harm not only sharks but also other marine life. Melanin-based repellents offer a more subtle and less harmful approach to managing shark-human interactions
SHARKS CUTTLEFISH INK MELANIN SHARK DETERRENTS MARINE CONSERVATION
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