According to Chemical & Engineering News, Shark Defense of Ocean Ridge, New Jersey (!?) is developing a chemical repellent for sharks.  After years of trials and field tests in Bimini, the company thinks it’s come up with the right recipe.  Dubbed “A-2,” the mixture is derived from shark tissue and incites a flight response in some species (specifically, the Caribbean reef, the lemon, the blacknose, and the nurse, none of which are “man-eaters”).  Trials on great whites, tigers and hammerheads are forthcoming. 

Initial commercial applications of A-2 will be for reducing unintentional shark catching in the fishing industry; protecting underwater equipment prone to shark bites; preventing endangered sharks from becoming ensnared in fishing nets; and in rescue operations. Ideas for using A-2 in suntan lotion, on hollow surfboards, and as a spray-on product are still in the “Wouldn’t it be cool if . . .” stages.