Australian researchers have started testing a new 'suit of armour' for surfers in a bid to prevent fatal shark attacks.

Adelaide's Flinders University have just begun developing a protective suit that could prevent large wounds suffered by surfers and swimmers in attacks, funded by the New South Wales government.

The new fabric for wetsuits is similar to Kevlar - a heat resistant, strong synthetic fiber typically used for bullet and stab resistant armour.

“The majority of fatalities from shark bites is due to blood loss, or the shock from blood loss.” Associate professor Charlie Huveneers told 9 News.

“We want new technologies, a new way of doing business when it comes to interacting with sharks.

“If we can reduce that blood loss from minimising injury, and with rapid emergency responses, we can hopefully increase the survival rate of people being bitten by sharks.”

While the researchers have acknowledged that the force of a shark bite can break bones, they say that if their wetsuit design is successful, it could save lives by stopping a victim losing blood from tears and wounds.

The university begin testing the material using sharks in their natural environments off the Spencer Gulf, west of Adelaide.

Mr Huveneer says even if the suit does work there are still only two guaranteed ways to prevent attacks.