BBC News | AMERICAS | Shark attack factfile

Sharks are once again being vilified in the media after a spate of attacks off the American east coast. But many marine experts believe the bad press paints an incomplete picture. BBC News Online examines the facts.

There are usually between 70 and 100 shark attacks every year, resulting in 5 to 15 deaths worldwide. In 2000, 10 fatalities were recorded.

The three types of unprovoked attack (Source ISAF)
Hit and run: Most common and usually when the shark mistakes person for normal prey. Repeat attacks rare.
Bump and bite: The shark circles and often bumps the victim before attacking. Repeat attacks common. Injuries severe or fatal.
Sneak: Strike occurs without warning. Injuries severe or fatal

The number of annual attacks is increasing. The International Shark Attack Files recorded 536 attacks in the 1990s, the highest in any decade so far.

While the actual number of shark attacks is going up, so too are the numbers of bathers. There is no indication of any change in the per capita rate of attack.

Any large shark - about two metres or longer - is a potential threat to humans, but the three main attacking species are the white shark, the tiger shark and the bull shark.

The white shark has been implicated in 43% of attacks on divers. The species has attacked 348 times around the world since records began in 1580.

Most attacks occur in waters near the shore. Areas with steep drop-off sites or near sandbars are particularly vulnerable as sharks congregate in these areas to feed.

The basking shark, an endangered species

Do sharks get a bad press? This basking shark is harmless to man

Shark attack injury is less common than other beach-related injuries such as stingray and jellyfish stings.

More people are injured or killed on land while driving to and from the beach than by the sharks they might meet when they get there.

Bees, wasps and snakes are responsible for far more fatalities each year than sharks.

Humans kill an estimated 25 million sharks each year, either through commerical fishing for meat or fins, or purely for sport.


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