2024 was an “exceptionally quiet year” for shark bites around the world, with far fewer than usual, according to a new report released Tuesday by the International Shark Attack File. Worldwide, there were only 47 unprovoked attacks, down 22 from the previous year and well below the 10-year average of 70.
Of course, that doesn’t mean you need to be any less vigilant or cautious in shark-infested waters. Two American tourists were bitten by a shark in the Bahamas just last week and needed to be airlifted for their injuries.
The Bahamas have had 34 unprovoked shark attacks dating back to 1580, according to the Florida Museum’s International Shark Attack File. This makes the Bahamas the ninth-highest of all the tracked countries, with the U.S. (1640), Australia (706) and the Republic of South Africa (262) in the top three, the data tracker shows.
But the attacks show little consistency and it is very hard to know where a shark may strike next. Among last year’s lull in attacks: Four of 2024’s attacks resulted in deaths, also a significant reduction from recent years.
Researchers at the file, based at the Florida Museum of Natural History, track both fatal and nonfatal attacks in the shark’s natural habitat in which there was no human provocation, which is the definition of an “unprovoked” bite.
This is in contrast to a “provoked” bite, which occurs when a human initiates interaction with a shark in some way.
Sharks might be getting extra attention this summer, the 50th anniversary of the movie “Jaws” that started the nation’s obsession with sharks.
Where were the fatal shark attacks?
- An attack by an unknown shark species off the northwest coast of Oahu, Hawaii, in June resulted in the only unprovoked fatality in the U.S. in 2024. According to Field and Stream magazine, the victim, Tamayo Perry, was a well-known surfer and lifeguard who had also been featured as an actor in movies and television shows. “Tamayo was a legendary waterman and highly respected,” said Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi.
- One death each was also confirmed in Egypt, the Maldives, and near Western Sahara.
- The death near Western Sahara marked the first reported shark attack for the region. A German tourist sailing on a British catamaran traveling from the Canary Islands was attacked while swimming alongside the boat. The incident occurred in remote international waters, and it took several hours for an emergency crew to reach the scene by helicopter. The woman died from her injuries on the return trip.
U.S. leads the world in shark attacks
Consistent with long-term trends, the U.S. experienced the most unprovoked shark bites in 2024 – 28 confirmed cases.
With warm waters and ample shoreline, Florida had a total of 14 bites, more than any other state. Of these, eight occurred in Volusia County (home to Daytona Beach), which bears the unofficial title of shark bite capital of the world.
Most bites are associated with swimming or wading
Swimmers and waders accounted for a majority of unprovoked bites, representing 50% of the incidents. Surfers accounted for 34% and snorkelers/free divers accounted for 8%.
Surfing dangers
Globally, surfers accounted for 34% of all attacks last year.
“People surf where there are good waves, and where there are good waves, there’s turbidity, and where there’s turbidity, there are often bait fish that attract sharks. The turbidity also reduces visibility in the water, making it harder for sharks to see. Some of them make mistakes,” said Gavin Naylor, director of the Florida Program for Shark Research.
Hardly a fair fight between humans and shark
Worldwide, humans kill about 80 million sharks and rays each year, a study last year said. Most are killed by commercial fishermen for their fins and flesh.
The chances of being killed by a shark remain incredibly low. According to the World Health Organization, drowning is far deadlier – and is the third leading cause of accidental death worldwide. In addition, coastal features like rip tides and strong currents pose a greater risk to beachgoers than sharks.
The odds of being killed by a shark in the U.S. are 4,332,817 to 1.
Though shark attacks are a potential danger that must be acknowledged by anyone who frequents marine waters, they should be kept in perspective, the International Shark Attack File said. Bees, wasps, and snakes are responsible for far more fatalities each year.
Photo: A picture taken with a drone shows a kayaker and a group of sharks below him in the shallow water near the hot water stream of the Orot Rabin power plant in the Mediterranean Sea, northern city of Hadera, Israel. EPA-EFE/ABIR SULTAN
Source: USA Today