Electronics and sharks

[Guba]

Another thread (the one about underwater ipoding), triggered this one. A few years ago, I saw a preliminary report dealing with underwater electronics and sharks. The study dealt with the question as to whether electronic devices either interfered with or even attracted sharks. Since many sharks locate food by sensing electromagnetic fields produced by their prey, there was speculation and anecdotal evidence that devices that divers carried (such as metal detectors, etc...) could have an effect on shark's behavior. In a reverse scenario, some firms even developed electronic shark repellent devices.
The questions: Has anyone seen any recent data concerning the effects of electronic devices on shark behavior? Does carrying more and more electronic dive gear (computers, communications, iPods, etc...) pose any risks-personal or environmental-specific to divers?

 

[isurus]

no recent data. my own anecdotal experience (involving a captive bull shark in an aquarium and a strobe) suggests some sharks may in some conditions respond to strobes for some reason (light? electrical signature?) but nothing beyond that.

it seems likely that any increased risk would be minimal given the already small percentages involved. it also suggests one may personally choose to exercise caution in using electronics around the larger species.