According to researchers affiliated with the Florida Museum of Natural History, the number of worldwide shark attacks increased sharply in 2021 for the first time in three years.
Fearsome, yet majestic creatures - Image Credit: Superstar via Shutterstock
The Florida Museum of Natural History and the American Elasmobranch Society maintain data on shark attacks. Researchers counted 73 unprovoked biting incidents in 2021, which is 21 more than in 2020.
In addition, the researchers reported 39 provoked bites, four attacks on boats, and one situation in which a shark bit an already deceased human. Then have also been 14 unconfirmed reports on top of a handful of questionable reports of shark attacks. Everything combined the total number of alleged shark attacks tallies up to 137. Sadly, eleven individuals could not recount the attack.
Most unprovoked shark attacks attributed to the great white shark
Most unprovoked shark attacks occurred in the United States (47 in total with one fatality). After that, we find Australia, which had 12 unprovoked shark incidents, three of which were fatal. Brazil reports show three attacks, one of which was fatal. The majority of unprovoked fatal shark attacks can be ascribed to the great white shark.
The numbers show a steep increase compared to past years, but they may appear slightly more dramatic than they actually are, as there have been several forced beach closures due to the prevailing pandemic.
Image Credit: Jane Dominguez/University of Florida - (click to enlarge)
How many shark attacks happen in a year?
According to Tyler Bowling, Manager of the Florida Program for Shark Research, 2021 was a more typical year than the years before. It had bite numbers from an assortment of species and fatalities much closer to the average.
According to Bowling, the 52 bites counted in 2020 constituted the smallest number in more than a decade, whereas the 73 bites recorded in 2021 are more in line with the five-year global average
Long term trend of shark attacks
It is not uncommon for the number of shark attacks to fluctuate from year to year. The number of shark-human incidents is primarily dictated by external conditions (such as the weather, oceanographic, and incidental occurrences like the pandemic), all of which can vary considerably from year to year.
While last year saw a significant increase in shark bites and a relatively high number of mortalities, both stay well within the long-term averages. One clear trend is visible in the long term: the number of people killed by sharks is gradually decreasing.
According to Gavin Naylor, director of the Florida Museum’s shark research program, the overall trend, showing a decline in fatalities from shark attacks, is most likely the result of improving beach safety protocols worldwide in addition to the diminishing numbers of sharks of various species in coastal waters.
The entire report is linked below for those who are interested in more details, be sure to check it out.
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