The International Shark Attack File(ISAF)every year researches and records events involving sharks. The organization is part of Florida’s Museum of Nature and is the go-to group for all things associated with shark attacks. The ISAF says in 2023, they saw a boost in shark bites and deadly attacks.
Typically, there are 63 “unprovoked” shark attacks around the globe yearly. Unprovoked means the victims didn’t do anything to draw the shark to them, like bothering the animal or trying to feed it. In 2023, the organization says there were 69 of these cases. On top of that, sharks killed 14 people worldwide, with Australia having the most fatalities at four. The U.S. was 2nd with two lethal events, one in California and the other in Hawaii.
“Annual fluctuations in shark-human interactions are anticipated. While the number of fatalities in 2023 was substantially higher than in 2022, there have actually been years in the past (2011) in which deaths were also greater,” composed the ISAF in their report. “The 2023 uptick in casualties due to white sharks may reflect stochastic year-to-year variation, but it may likewise be the repercussion of the increasing variety of white sharks seen at aggregation websites near beaches that are popular with internet users (especially in Australia).”
U.S. Shark Attacks
In spite of more lethal attacks in Australia, the U.S. leads the world in the number of unprovoked shark attacks. Thirty-six individuals were bitten by a shark, with the majority of these events in Florida.
| U.S. State | Overall | Deadly |
| Florida | 16 | 0 |
| Hawaii | 8 | 1 |
| New york city | 4 | 0 |
| California | 2 | 1 |
| North Carolina | 3 | 0 |
| South Carolina | 2 | 0 |
| New Jersey | 1 | 0 |
| Total Cases | 36 | 2 |
(Source: International Shark Attack File)
The majority of the attacks included web surfers or other board sports. People pitching in the water were the second greatest group of victims.
Comprehending Shark Attacks
While the general public may have a basic worry of sharks, the number is reasonably low if you take a look at the number of people go into the water each year. Your possibilities of being bit by a shark are way lower than being struck by lightning, at only a one in 3.75 million chance.
So, what do you do if you’re diving or snorkeling and encounter a shark?
The objective is to remain calm. Trying to leave from a shark might start its predator instincts. You must face the animal. If it gets close enough, lower on its nose and then safely leave the water. Discover more information here.
The International Shark Attack File (ISAF) each year investigates and documents events involving sharks. They saw an increase in 2023.