However, George Burgess, director of the International Shark Attack File, says that data indicate that attack numbers for the United States were almost identical to those of the previous year—54 in 2000 and 55 in 2001. The international total of 76 in 2001 was 11 percent lower than in 2000 when there were 85 attacks. More importantly, the number of serious attacks—as measured by fatality rate, was less than half that over the last decade, says Burgess.
"The number of shark attacks has been rising throughout the past century as a result of human population growth and concurrent rises in aquatic recreation," says Burgess, a Florida Sea Grant researcher. "Greater efficiency in ISAF recording in recent years also has contributed to rises in recorded attack totals."
Shark attacks also have been interlinked with fishery management and conservation efforts. In 1993, NOAA Fisheries implemented a fishery management plan for sharks, which set a shark harvest limit. "The East Coast shark population is not in recovery based on NOAA Fisheries 1998 assessment," according to Margo Schulze-Haugen, fishery biologist in the Highly Migratory Species Management Division of NOAA Fisheries in Silver Spring, Md. "The measures put into effect will require 30 to 40 years to rebuild large coastal shark species." Because of severe biological limitations, shark populations grow slowly and reproduce at low rates, according to Robert E. Hueter, director, Center for Shark Research at Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, Fla. Sharks do not spawn thousands or millions of eggs like bony fish cousins. When they reach adulthood—which may take a dozen years or more in some species—sharks mate just like mammals and pregnant females carry their growing young inside them. "So in many ways, sharks reproduce more like ourselves than the other fish," says Hueter. "And unlike other fish, sharks cannot produce lots of young quickly to replenish an area depleted by over fishing. When sharks are over fished, the stocks can remain in a depleted state for decades after fishing has ceased, simply because it takes that long for these animals to grow and produce a new generation."
NOAA and the U.S. Dept. of Commerce's Panama City Laboratory Shark Population Assessment Group has extensive shark population data. To get the facts out about sharks, several governmental agencies and universities are sponsoring "Sharks in Perspective: From Fear to Fascination" June 12-14 at the Hyatt Regency in Tampa, Fla. The conference is co-sponsored by Florida Sea Grant, the Florida Program for Shark Research at the Florida Museum of Natural History, the University of Florida Extension Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences and NOAA Fisheries.
Sharks, which are "top predators," play an important role in the ocean and are typically at the top of the marine food webs. "This ecological role of sharks in the oceans is very important—similar to that of the big predators on land," says Hueter, past president of the American Elasmobranch Society "As top predators, sharks affect all the levels below them and there are few other species that can take their place if sharks are removed."
The most common type of shark attack is a "hit and run" in surf zone—with swimmers and surfers as the normal target. The victim seldom sees its attacker and the shark does not return after inflicting a single bite or slash wound. "Bump and bite" attacks and "sneak" attacks are less common, but result in greater injuries and most fatalities. These types of attacks usually involve divers or swimmers in somewhat deeper waters, but also occur inshore in some areas of the world. "Bump and bite" attacks are characterized by the shark initially circling and often bumping the victim prior to the actual attack. "Sneak" attacks differ in having the attack occur without warning.
Although relative risk of shark attacks for humans is very small, swimmers and surfers can prevent attacks by remembering Hueter's simple slogan: "Between the months of five through nine, go swimming in the ocean from nine to five." In other words, from May through September, swimmers and surfers in the southeast can minimize their risk by waiting until well after dawn (after 9 a.m.) to enter the water and getting out well before sundown (by 5 p.m.). This is because large shark attacks are more common during twilight periods and at night, and sharks have less visual information to go on during those times.
The ISAF offers other tips for beach goers:
Relevant Web Sites
Fishery management plan for sharks
NOAA's Highly Migratory Species Management Division
NOAA's Southwest Fisheries Science Center
"Sharks in Perspective: From Fear to Fascination"
International Shark Attack File
Panama City Laboratory Shark Population Assessment Group
Florida Program for Shark Research at the Florida Museum of Natural History
University of Florida Extension Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences
FINAL UNITED STATES NATIONAL PLAN OF ACTION FOR THE CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT OF SHARKS
NOAA FISHERIES ANNOUNCES PROPOSED RULE TO PROTECT SHARKS IN FEDERAL WATERS
Stock Assessment of Small Coastal Sharks in the U.S. Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico
NOAA FISHERIES RELEASES A NATIONAL PLAN OF ACTION TO CONSERVE AND MANAGE SHARKS
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June 3, 2002 — Last year, a series of shark attacks in U.S. waters created fear among beach goers. It also generated intense media coverage, as well as created the perception that 2001 was a banner year for shark attacks.
There are about 400 different species of sharks in the world's oceans. Along the beaches on the East Coast, the number one species for biting is the blacktip shark (Carcharhinus limbatus—See image to right), which has black tips on its pectoral fins and grows to no more than about six feet. Other species that bite include the spinner shark (Carcharhinus brevipinna)—also known for its black-tipped fins and recognized by its long snout. Smaller species that swim close to shore are the blacknose shark (Carcharhinus acronotus)—which has a black/dusky smudge on the top of its snout—and the Atlantic sharpnose shark (Rhizoprionodon terraenovae)—distinguished by it long, thin shape and sometimes whitish spots on its body. The most dangerous shark in surf areas along the southeastern coast is the bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas), which is recognized by its short, broadly round snout, small eyes and subtriangular serrated teeth. This species can get up to nine feet long and feeds on large prey. "Bull sharks come into estuaries and fresh water," says Hueter. The bull shark was responsible for the attack last July on 8-year-old Jessie Arbogast, a few feet from the shore in the waters off Pensacola, Fla. In central California, the great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias—See image below left)—recognized by its streamline shape and pointed snout—is dangerous for swimmers because it feeds on marine mammals, including seals.
This large predator is a protected species in the Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean and California. NOAA Fisheries is working with the Pacific Council to protect the great white shark, according to Susan Smith, NOAA's Southwest Fisheries Science Center, LaJolla, Calif. "Protection would extend beyond the California waters to Oregon and Washington." In Hawaii, the only shark that comes inshore and attacks surfers and swimmers is the tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvieri—See image below right). Young tiger sharks have characteristic bars and spots on the back and upper side, but the large adult is usually almost entirely brownish-gray.
Where do most shark attacks occur? Usually, in near shore waters—typically inshore of a sandbar or between sandbars where sharks feed and can become trapped at low tide. Areas with steep drop-offs are also likely attack sites. Sharks congregate there because their natural food items also congregate in this area.
In the United States, two-thirds of the attacks occur in Volusia County, Fla., which includes New Smyrna Beach, according to the ISAF. "The large number of incidents is attributable to very high aquatic recreational utilization of its attractive waters by Florida residents and tourists, especially surfers," says Burgess, director of the Florida Program for Shark Research.
NOAA Fisheries