Demystifying Shark Attacks

Shark attacks have long captivated our collective imagination, fuelled by Hollywood movies and sensational news headlines. After a recent tragic death in Egypt, shark attacks made the news again.

However, it's crucial to separate fact from fiction when it comes to understanding the true nature and frequency of these events. Contrary to popular belief, shark attacks are rare occurrences, and it is important to dispel the fear that surrounds them.

Sharks are also an essential part of the ocean ecosystems and there are over 500 species known today. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species identifies an important number of shark species as being threatened with extinction. According to their assessment, around 32% of assessed shark species are classified as either Vulnerable, Endangered, or Critically Endangered. The main threats to sharks include overfishing, bycatch, and environmental factors such as habitat destruction and climate change.

Let’s delve into the statistics and look at the reality of shark attacks.

Shark Attack Statistics:

According to data from the World Animal Foundation (WAF), an organization dedicated to promoting animal welfare through education, advocacy, and awareness, the number of unprovoked shark attacks worldwide is remarkably low. In 2023, there were only 69 confirmed unprovoked shark attacks globally.

While every fatality is tragic, it's important to note that the number of shark attacks is very low overall. Hundred of thousands of people get into the ocean each day, whether to swim, fish, or do other water activities, yet the risk is statistically very low in comparison to other risks we encounter daily. There is an estimated 230,000 people worldwide that drown each year, compared to 5 people killed by sharks.

To put things into perspective, you are more likely to be struck by lightning or injured in a car accident than fall victim to a shark attack. These figures show the rarity of shark attacks overall.

Inquisitive shark eye - Photo by David Clode

Understanding Shark Behaviour:

Sharks play a vital role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems. Contrary to their portrayal in popular media, sharks do not actively seek out human beings as prey. They primarily feed on fish and marine animals such as seals or turtles that form their natural diet.

Most shark attacks occur when the animal mistakes a human for its usual prey and investigates. This is why there is almost no shark attack reported on scuba divers, who do not look like prey when underwater. Most shark attacks on humans are on people at the surface such as surfers or snorkelers, that sharks mistake for an animal.

Preventing Shark Attacks:

While the chances of a shark attack are extremely low, here are a few precautions you can take:

1. Stay informed: Familiarize yourself with the presence of sharks in the area you plan to swim or surf. Local authorities and lifeguards often provide information on shark sightings or recent activity.

2. Time of day: Sharks tend to be more active during dawn, dusk, and at night. Avoid swimming during these times to minimize any potential risks. Also if possible avoid murky waters such as river mouths.

3. Avoid wearing shiny jewelry, as when light reflects off it, it can look like the sheen of fish scales to sharks.

4. Follow local guidelines: Be aware of any signs or advisories posted at beaches or other swimming areas. These guidelines are usually based on expert advice and are designed to ensure your safety.

Black tip reef shark - Photo David Clode

In Case of a Shark Encounter:

While the chances of a shark encounter are minimal, if it ever happens there are a few tips to use.

1. Do not panic, maintain a composed demeanor and avoid making sudden, erratic movements.

2. Stay still and move into an upright position in the water (feet down, do not lay on the surface) with your fins or feet towards the shark. This is usually enough for the shark to understand you're not a tasty seal and it will lose interest and swim off.

3. Do not swim underwater but remain on the surface. Staying above the shark is a way to assert dominance.

4. Do not provoke: Refrain from touching or trying to feed the shark. Keep a safe distance and give the animal space to retreat. Sharks tend to become aggressive if they feel cornered.

5. If you find yourself in close proximity to a shark, maintain eye contact and try to position yourself in a defensive posture, such as facing the shark and keeping it in your line of sight.

6. Observe the shark’s behavior: is it swimming erratically or in circles, or is it swimming calmly? Is it maintaining a safe distance or coming a little too close for comfort? Is it calm or frenzied? In a very, very rare event of an attack, you can push the shark on the top of the snout down and away from you. This should be done calmly and firmly.

7. Seek help: signal for assistance from nearby swimmers or beachgoers, and slowly make your way back to shore.
   

Understanding the reality of shark attacks is essential for dispelling unnecessary fears and fostering a healthier coexistence between humans and sharks. Despite all the bad press sharks are getting, attacks are very rare and often caused by exploration from the shark. While there are a handful of fatalities each year, these are very rare and should not prevent you from enjoying the ocean or in-water activities! Divers and snorkelers alike will likely tell you that sharks are one of the most spectacular animals you can see underwater!

If you want to learn more about sharks, check out some of our other posts about silky sharks or whale sharks.

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