What is SharkSafe Barrier™?
The SharkSafe Barrier™ is the ideal eco-friendly solution designed to safely separate sharks from beachgoers, without harming the marine environment. Developed over 17 years of extensive research and testing, it significantly reduces the risk of shark-human encounters and provides a sustainable alternative to traditional, harmful methods. Already deployed at two beaches in The Bahamas, this barrier not only enhances coastal safety but also supports regenerative tourism… It stands as a transformative approach to addressing the shark-human conflict—a solution inspired by nature and proven by rigorous scientific methods.
Main Benefit
- Eco-friendly design that mimics a natural kelp forest.
- Combines both visual and magnetic deterrents for effective protection.
- 100% effective under controlled testing with bull sharks and white sharks.
- Constructed with robust, recycled HDPE pipes and durable stainless-steel components.
- Adaptable installation on rocky, sandy, and mixed seafloors—ensuring safety in varied conditions.
Innovative Solutions
This barrier introduces an innovative blend of natural inspiration and modern engineering. Its design incorporates staggered rows of vertical recycled HDPE pipes that visually mimic the appearance of a dense kelp forest… along with large ceramic magnets mounted along the ocean-facing row, which create a strong magnetic field within a 2-meter radius. Such dual functionality ensures that sharks recognize the barrier as a natural obstacle while allowing other marine life—like seals, manatees, and bony fish—to swim through freely. The integration of these elements serves not only to deter sharks but also to enhance local biomass by functioning as a thriving artificial reef.
Eco-friendly Technology
The technology behind the SharkSafe Barrier™ is truly state-of-the-art and rooted in eco-friendly principles. Instead of relying on baited hooks (drumlines) or shark nets (gillnets)—methods historically used that have devastating bycatch outcomes—the barrier employs a sustainable approach that respects marine biodiversity. It uses a combination of visual cues, which mimic a kelp forest, and a magnetic deterrent, delivered via strong ceramic magnets. Manufactured with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes from Cape Town and stainless-steel components produced by experts in Stellenbosch, the barrier is assembled on a grid-like structure. The pipes, spaced one meter apart and weighted with 200-kilogram, limpet-shaped concrete blocks, ensure the device remains stable even in rough sea conditions and during hurricanes… This commitment to preserving the marine environment while ensuring human safety is a clear win-win.
Project Experience
The groundwork for the SharkSafe Barrier™ was laid in 2011 when a free diver observed that sharks avoided local kelp forests during his sessions with white sharks… This observation sparked inspiration and led to the collaboration between Mike Rutzen and marine biologist Dr. Craig O’Connell, who combined their expertise in shark behavior and coastal engineering. From 2012 to 2016, the technology was rigorously tested on bull sharks and white sharks, proving its effectiveness under controlled conditions. After publishing the findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals, the barrier was successfully deployed at two beaches in The Bahamas. The initial installation, a 30-metre section completed in August 2023, demonstrated resilience through rough seas and hurricanes, leading to a subsequent 16-metre installation in August 2025. This track record not only reinforces its practical performance but also highlights the passion behind transforming nature-inspired ideas into reliable, real-world applications.
Project Impact
- SDG 14: Life Below Water – by preserving marine ecosystems and reducing harmful shark culling practices.
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – through the development of robust and innovative coastal safety solutions.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – by supporting local economies and tourism while ensuring public safety.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, the SharkSafe Barrier™ is set to redefine coastal protection around the globe. Its ability to be securely anchored on rocky, sandy, and mixed-substrate seafloors, along with its successful track record in The Bahamas, opens up opportunities for installation in regions like South Africa, Brazil, New Caledonia, and Réunion. The product is manufactured in South Africa and shipped worldwide—installed in close collaboration with local teams who undertake in-depth surveys for optimal design adaptation and cost-effectiveness. With an ongoing commitment to ocean conservation, the barrier continues to be refined. Future designs may integrate even more advanced materials or expanded modular systems to further enhance its effectiveness… This evolving solution is not just about preventing shark-human interactions; it is equally about protecting marine ecosystems, fostering local economic growth, and steering national and international policies away from destructive shark culling towards innovative, sustainable methods.
