Why Shark Attacks are on the Rise

While we’re all aware that the probability of a shark attack is very small, climate change and rising temperatures may be increasing the number of unprovoked attacks. Shark populations are likely to be moving closer to shore to feed, and this may increase the risk of an accidental bite. Fortunately, the probability of a shark attack is still very low, given the amount of people who are in the water.

Unprovoked shark attacks

Researchers from the Florida Museum of Natural History and the American Elasmobranch Society compiled the latest numbers on the number of unprovoked shark attacks in the U.S. and worldwide. In 2021, they found 73 unprovoked shark attacks, with 64% occurring in the U.S. Among the countries, Florida and Australia had the most reported incidents of shark bites. 

In the United States, unprovoked shark attacks have reached alarming levels. In 2017, there were 46 shark attacks in the U.S., compared to 46 incidents in the previous year. Fortunately, the number of fatalities is still lower than the long-term average of six per year. In Cape Cod, for example, there was only one fatal shark attack. The victim was a 26-year-old boogie boarder. It was the first fatal shark attack in the state of Massachusetts since 1936.

Increased lifeguard staffing

As more sharks begin to target coastal areas, New York state is increasing lifeguard staffing by 25 percent. In addition to more lifeguards on the shore, the state will also utilize drones and patrol boats and more materials to warn beachgoers. In addition, the Governor’s Order calls for increased monitoring at beach areas. But it isn’t all good news. Lifeguards are still facing challenges.

The recent spate of reports of shark attacks in the area has caused much discussion and coverage. While there are no fatalities, there have been multiple lifeguard attacks in the past few years. In fact, there have been as few as one shark attack per decade for the past century. But that statistic is starting to change. In 2022, the number of unprovoked shark attacks recorded in the United States will be up 42%, up from the previous year, according to the Florida Museum of Natural History.

Increased sightings of sharks

Increasing sea temperatures are leading to increased shark sightings. Marine biologists say the increase is because sharks are feeding on the Atlantic menhaden, a type of bait fish that is found in a number of areas, including Long Island. Shark sightings are a growing concern for the community, as more people are heading to the beaches. Because sharks and people are commonly close to one another, more of them are likely to be around.

Shark attacks are increasing, but they are extremely rare. The chance of dying from a shark attack is only one in 4.3 million, compared to 1 out of 107 from a car crash. Still, the threat to humans is growing. In the US, half of shark attacks are unprovoked. Most shark attacks occur in Florida, which accounts for more than 40 percent of shark attacks globally.