Melbourne, Australia – Unprovoked shark attacks saw a slight increase worldwide last year, with an alarming rise in the number of fatal incidents compared to the previous year, new data reveals. Researchers from the University of Florida’s International Shark Attack File reported 69 unprovoked shark attacks in 2023, surpassing the five-year average of 63 attacks annually.
Out of the 69 attacks, ten proved to be fatal, a significant increase from the five deaths recorded the previous year. Gavin Naylor, director of the Florida Museum of Natural History’s shark research program, expressed concern over the rise in fatalities despite the overall normal number of bites.
Australia emerged as a hotspot for shark-related fatalities, accounting for 40% of all deaths despite only representing 22% of all shark attacks globally. Other countries affected by shark attack deaths included the United States, the Bahamas, Egypt, Mexico, and New Caledonia.
The United States reported 36 unprovoked shark attacks, making up 52% of incidents worldwide. Amongst these attacks, two proved fatal – one in California and another in Hawaii. Florida continued to lead all states in the US with 16 shark attacks.
The report primarily focuses on unprovoked attacks, noting that provoked attacks, which involve intentional interactions with sharks, are not included. Researchers emphasized the importance of beach safety programs in reducing the risk of fatal shark attacks, particularly in remote regions where such facilities may be lacking.
Experts highlighted that most unprovoked attacks are “test bites” where sharks confuse humans for their natural prey. While incidents of sharks repeatedly attacking humans are rare, some species like tiger sharks, bull sharks, and white sharks have been known to exhibit such behavior.
Despite the rise in shark bites in 2023, researchers reassured the public that the number of incidents falls within the average recorded over the past decade, with typically fewer than 100 unprovoked bites globally each year. They also noted that the likelihood of being bitten by a shark remains low compared to other risks.
The changing patterns of shark attacks were attributed to various factors including increased human presence in the water, environmental conditions, and the behavior of prey in specific areas. Researchers advised beachgoers to take precautionary measures such as staying close to shore, avoiding swimming at dawn or dusk, and swimming in pairs to reduce the risk of shark encounters.