Deaths “somewhat concerning”: Number of shark attacks increased in 2023

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The University of Florida’s scientific database of shark attacks worldwide (ISAF) confirmed 69 unprovoked shark attacks last year in which people were injured or killed. There were relatively few in 2022 (57).

Gavin Naylor, director of the Florida Museum of Natural History’s shark research program, said the 2023 figure is within normal bite numbers, but the deaths are “somewhat concerning.” Ten of last year’s unprovoked attacks were fatal. The previous year there were five. The probability of being bitten by a shark is extremely low.

The majority of attacks last year occurred in the United States (52 percent) and Australia (22 percent). Surfers were bitten in 42 percent of cases worldwide. Most shark deaths in 2023 resulted from great white shark bites. “If a great white shark is after a seal and the seal knows it, the great white shark doesn’t stand a chance,” Naylor said. “Seals are very active, so the only ones caught are the ones frolicking on the surface, minding their own business. And that’s exactly what a surfer looks like.”

When there are more attacks, it usually means more people are spending time in the water, but it doesn’t mean sharks are becoming more dangerous, the Florida Museum of Natural History said. Increasing human activity in sharks’ natural habitats is also leading to increased encounters with the animals.

The number of recorded attacks has increased sharply over the past few decades. But it has fluctuated greatly over the last decade: a particularly high number of 98 was reached in 2016, and only 57 in the pandemic years 2020 and 2022; This was the lowest number at that time. With simple preventive measures, the already low probability of being bitten by a shark can be further reduced. The Florida Museum of Natural History said people should stay close to shore, avoid swimming at dawn or dusk and avoid excessive splashing.

(SDA)

Source : Blick