'Iron Man' Jet Packs in Hawaii May Threaten Coral Reef Ecosystems (Video)

Ever want to blast off in a jetpack from the ocean? Tourists and thrill-seekers in Hawaii are getting a chance to do so, propelled into the air by "Iron Man"-like jetpacks. Now, though, scientists and state officials are questioning the safety of these new devices and are wondering how they may affect the fish and coral in the area.

The device itself is called the Jetlev. It can hoist a person 30 feet into the air by pumping water from a backpack through a hose connected to a small, unmanned boat. Another device, known as the Flyboard, can rocket someone 45 feet into the air. They're starting to be available to tourists in places such as San Diego and Key West, Florida.

While these jetpacks may seem like fun, though, they could spell trouble for the surrounding ecosystems. Since the equipment sucks in water, it could suck in fish and coral as well. Although this may not greatly impact ecosystems if the use of these jetpacks remains limited, it could have far-reaching influences and stress coral reefs if the devices become more widespread.

"More and more and more these bays are being run over, taken over by other activities," said Carl Jellings, a local fisherman in Hawaii, in an interview with the University Herald. "The marine life that depends on these places--they're being displaced."

In fact, Bob Richmond, University of Hawaii coral scientist, has already informed officials that he's concerned about the amount of noise that these devices make, according to Fox News. Fish rely quite a bit on their sense of hearing in the water. Since sound waves travel far further afield and faster than in air, the noise from the jetpacks could adversely affect fish and marine mammals in the area.

Currently, officials are trying to determine the best way to police these new devices while still using them to attract tourists. Whether or not they'll gain any kind of widespread use, though, remains to be seen.

Want to see the jet packs for yourself? Check out the video below, courtesy of YouTube.