Repel Sharks With Magnets?

I heard about these devices recently when they were mentioned in this article about a shark attack victim

Quote:

"I got this for Christmas,” Zack said, showing us the green plastic band that looks like a watch with no face, “It is a shark band and it was supposed to keep sharks away and the first time I wore it, and I go surfing a lot, but the first time I wore it- I get bit."

This appears to be the device: http://ift.tt/2d6zHGe

They claim:

Quote:

Sharkbanz use special patented magnetic technology to deter sharks from attacking people. Most shark attacks occur in murky, shallow waters off the coast where there are a high number of swimmers and sharks sharing the same space. In this environment, sharks rely heavily on their electro-receptors instead of their eyes to “see” what’s around them. They possess the most sensitive electro-magnetic sense of all known animals, and use it to judge distance, shape, and even the heart rate of other animals near them. Most of the time, sharks get it right and leave people alone. Occasionally, they don't. Sometimes when relying on their electro-receptors, a curious shark may bite a person in order to figure out what he or she is. These unprovoked “hit and run” attacks are the most common type, and Sharkbanz are an excellent defense against them. As the shark approaches a person wearing Sharkbanz, magnetic waves coming from the band disrupt its electro-receptors and it quickly turns away. The experience for the shark is, “like a person suddenly shining a very bright light in your eyes in a dark room, and it's not pleasant”, according to Dr. Stroud.

(Magnets - is there anything they can't do?)

I looked over their "research" page. Seems to be a some wishful thinking involved. That is, from reading a handful of abstracts I get the impression that there is a good chance some sharks can perceive magnetic fields, but, only at fairly short distances (inches). And, its not clear that this perception leads to avoidance; especially if they're already in feeding mode.

Anyone have any insight into sharks and magnets?

via International Skeptics Forum http://ift.tt/2hAn2Pz