New discovery about sharks – what the drone experiment showed

An experiment off the coast of Florida showed that sharks can hear low-frequency sounds at distances of up to 74 meters and accurately determine their source, significantly exceeding previous scientific data.

A new scientific study conducted by biologists from Florida Atlantic University under the leadership of Professor Stephen Kajiura has shown that sharks are capable of hearing underwater sounds at a distance of nearly 75 meters. The experiment took place off the southeastern coast of Florida using underwater speakers and drones to observe blacktip sharks in their natural habitat. Scientists tested the predators' reaction to low-frequency signals in the range of 100 to 800 Hz, as well as using a high-frequency control sound. The results, published in the journal Integrative Organismal Biology, showed that sharks confidently detected noise at distances of up to 74 meters and rapidly changed their trajectory, trying to move away from the sound source. The high-frequency signal was completely ignored, confirming the selective nature of their perception. Scientists were surprised that sharks can do this without a swim bladder, which most fish use to capture sound waves. According to experts, the predators rely on unique structures in their inner ear.