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Valerie Taylor testing and disproving Walter Starck’s theory that mimicking a predator of sharks should deter them, by wearing a suit patterned like a banded sea snake.
Valerie Taylor testing and disproving Walter Starck’s theory that mimicking a predator of sharks should deter them, by wearing a suit patterned like a banded sea snake.

Valerie Taylor testing and disproving Walter Starck’s theory that mimicking a predator of sharks should deter them, by wearing a suit patterned like a banded sea snake.

Photographer (1934 - 2012)
Subject or historical figure (born 1935)
DateOctober 1984
Object numberANMS1458[603]
NamePhotographic slide
MediumColour transparency film, paper
DimensionsOverall (Inc carrier): 50 × 50 mm
Copyright© Valerie Taylor
ClassificationsPhotographs
Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program by Valerie Taylor in memory of Ron Taylor
DescriptionThis hood and sports suit was worn by Valerie to field-test wetsuit patterns as a form of shark deterrent. Marine biologist Walter Starck theorised that a full suit and hood, emulating the stripes of the highly venomous Banded Sea Snake, could deter some species of sharks. Valerie’s tests proved otherwise. The National Maritime Collection holds the hood used in these tests (ANMS 00049441). SignificanceValerie and Ron Taylor had a slow progression into the scientific community as they metamorphosed from spearfishers to ocean protectors. While Valerie kept detailed diaries of their marine observations, their work was often derided as too popular and showy. But science came calling when they needed someone to field-test their most recent theory. From diving gear to spear tips and shark tags, the Taylors gave it a shot and reported whether it worked – or not.
Today, their scientific legacy is more highly regarded. Through their film, photography, field testing and advocacy, the Taylors’ roles as science communicators and ocean environmentalists started to be recognised. Valerie was awarded the prestigious NOGI award for Arts, presented by the Academy of Underwater Arts and Sciences (AUAS) in 1981. This recognised her record of accomplishment and excellence, making a global impact on diving via the arts. Valerie has tirelessly advocated for protection and promoted greater understanding of Australian marine environments and dually, continually internationally awarded. Some of these achievements include being appointed the Rider of the Order of the Golden Ark (1986), Wildlife Preservation Society of Australia’s Serventy Conservation Medal (2001), Australian Geographic Lifetime of Conservation award (2008) and Member of the Order for Australia (2010).

Valerie Taylor testing and disproving Walter Starck’s theory that mimicking a predator of sharks should deter them, by wearing a suit patterned like a banded sea snake.
Valerie Taylor testing and disproving Walter Starck’s theory that mimicking a predator of sharks should deter them, by wearing a suit patterned like a banded sea snake.
Valerie Taylor
July 1984
Valerie Taylor testing and disproving Walter Starck’s theory that mimicking a predator of sharks should deter them, by wearing a suit patterned like a banded sea snake.
Valerie Taylor testing and disproving Walter Starck’s theory that mimicking a predator of sharks should deter them, by wearing a suit patterned like a banded sea snake.
Valerie Taylor
July 1984
Valerie Taylor testing and disproving Walter Starck’s theory that mimicking a predator of sharks should deter them, by wearing a suit patterned like a banded sea snake.
Valerie Taylor testing and disproving Walter Starck’s theory that mimicking a predator of sharks should deter them, by wearing a suit patterned like a banded sea snake.
Valerie Taylor
July 1984
Valerie Taylor testing and disproving Walter Starck’s theory that mimicking a predator of sharks should deter them, by wearing a suit patterned like a banded sea snake.
Valerie Taylor testing and disproving Walter Starck’s theory that mimicking a predator of sharks should deter them, by wearing a suit patterned like a banded sea snake.
Valerie Taylor
October 1984
Valerie Taylor testing and disproving Walter Starck’s theory that mimicking a predator of sharks should deter them, by wearing a suit patterned like a banded sea snake.
Valerie Taylor testing and disproving Walter Starck’s theory that mimicking a predator of sharks should deter them, by wearing a suit patterned like a banded sea snake.
Valerie Taylor
October 1984
Valerie Taylor testing and disproving Walter Starck’s theory that mimicking a predator of sharks should deter them, by wearing a suit patterned like a banded sea snake.
Valerie Taylor testing and disproving Walter Starck’s theory that mimicking a predator of sharks should deter them, by wearing a suit patterned like a banded sea snake.
Valerie Taylor
October 1984
Valerie Taylor testing and disproving Walter Starck’s theory that mimicking a predator of sharks should deter them, by wearing a suit patterned like a banded sea snake.
Valerie Taylor testing and disproving Walter Starck’s theory that mimicking a predator of sharks should deter them, by wearing a suit patterned like a banded sea snake.
Valerie Taylor
October 1984
Valerie Taylor testing and disproving Walter Starck’s theory that mimicking a predator of sharks should deter them, by wearing a suit patterned like a banded sea snake.
Valerie Taylor testing and disproving Walter Starck’s theory that mimicking a predator of sharks should deter them, by wearing a suit patterned like a banded sea snake.
Valerie Taylor
October 1984
Valerie Taylor testing and disproving Walter Starck’s theory that mimicking a predator of sharks should deter them, by wearing a suit patterned like a banded sea snake.
Valerie Taylor testing and disproving Walter Starck’s theory that mimicking a predator of sharks should deter them, by wearing a suit patterned like a banded sea snake.
Valerie Taylor
October 1984
Valerie Taylor testing and disproving Walter Starck’s theory that mimicking a predator of sharks should deter them, by wearing a suit patterned like a banded sea snake.
Valerie Taylor testing and disproving Walter Starck’s theory that mimicking a predator of sharks should deter them, by wearing a suit patterned like a banded sea snake.
Valerie Taylor
October 1984
Valerie Taylor testing and disproving Walter Starck’s theory that mimicking a predator of sharks should deter them, by wearing a suit patterned like a banded sea snake.
Valerie Taylor testing and disproving Walter Starck’s theory that mimicking a predator of sharks should deter them, by wearing a suit patterned like a banded sea snake.
Ron Taylor
October 1984
Valerie Taylor testing and disproving Walter Starck’s theory that mimicking a predator of sharks should deter them, by wearing a suit patterned like a banded sea snake.
Valerie Taylor testing and disproving Walter Starck’s theory that mimicking a predator of sharks should deter them, by wearing a suit patterned like a banded sea snake.
Valerie Taylor
October 1984