Leonardo Dicaprio Spotted On Controversial Jetpack, Could It Be Destroying Wildlife?

Leonardo Dicaprio isn’t the only one riding around on these new controversial water powered jetpacks that have scientists worried about the wildlife.

Fishermen, scientists, and officials have questioned the safety of the jetpacks, and are concerned about how they may affect fish and coral in the heavily trafficked tropical waters, according to the Daily Mail.

The Christian Post reported that the recreational sport requires devices similar to that found in “Iron Man” called a flyboard and a Jetlev that can propel users high into the air using force from water.

University of Hawaii coral scientist Bob Richmond told officials he was concerned about the noise from the jet packs, which could force fish to avoid the area.

Richmond also warned that fish and coral larvae could get pumped through some of the equipment the watercraft use and die.

ABC News reported that everyone from celebrities to tourists are trying out this new contraption.

“It’s personal flight. It’s every persons dream. It truly is like being a super hero,” Dean O’Malley, Jetlev Pilot, told ABC News.

The device is powered by water, which is sucked up through an attachment, nd then shot through the jetpack at 1,000 gallons a minute.

So how safe is this machine to those operating the contraption?

The Jetlev website stated the following:

Any activity involving speed, heights, water or power equipment are inherently risky. Jetlev flying is no exception, but our extensive research on relative safety indicates that this activity is less dangerous than common outdoor activities such as driving, cycling, riding ATVs or personal watercrafts, waterskiing, parasailing, downhill skiing, or even playing basketball.

Safety has always been top priority throughout the Jetlev’s design and development process. We evaluated relative safety from three perspectives: passive safety, active accident avoidance, and minimizing risks and severity of injuries. The Jetlev excels at all three areas.

What do you think of these machines that allow people to fly around above the water? Do you think it could be harmful to the environment?