Just watched a program on Discovery Channel's shark week which completely debunked this idea. Had no deterrent effect whatsoever on various sharks that they experimented with. However a device attached to the scuba tank which emitted an electrical current into the surrounding water did.

Quote Originally Posted by greenturtle View Post
Interesting article found on the web. Anyone can verify it's effectiveness? Wouldn't want to be carrying a big magnet thinking it can ward off sharks but end up getting stuck to a ship wreck!


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RESEARCHERS in north Queensland have discovered that magnets can act as an effective tool to ward off sharks, but not necessarily for humans.

In what is claimed to be a world-first, scientists from the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries and James Cook University have shown magnets can repel sharks.

It is hoped the magnets will keep sharks out of fishing nets set for barramundi.

Trials have been conducted in controlled conditions in Cairns. The research team will soon conduct field trials to determine the practical use of magnets in the gillnet fishery.

The researchers do not believe the magnetic repulsion will prevent shark attacks on people