Quck answer
Shark attacks can happen in any body of water, but there are certain places where they are more likely to occur. Here are the top 10 most dangerous places for shark attacks:
1. Florida, USA
2. New South Wales, Australia
3. Queensland, Australia
4. Hawaii, USA
5. California, USA
6. South Carolina, USA
7. North Carolina, USA
8. Reunion Island, Indian Ocean
9. Bahamas
10. South Africa
These areas have a higher concentration of sharks due to factors such as warmer waters, breeding and feeding grounds, and human activities like fishing and surfing. It is important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions when swimming or participating in water activities in these areas.
Wild Animals
Do you know where you are most likely to experience a shark attack? lindsay_imagery/Getty Images
If you have watched the movie “Jaws” from 1975, you may think that a small town called Amity Island in New England is the most perilous place for shark attacks. The beautiful and charming resort town turned into a place of terror as screams filled the air and blood stained the sea. It appeared that going back into the water would never be safe. Even the boat of movie stars that saved the day in the first film could not keep the sharks from returning in the sequels.
Although Amity Island is not a real place, the events of the movie and book were likely inspired by some real-life attacks that happened in 1916. In only 12 days, a shark killed four people and injured seven others along the coast of New Jersey. People were in a frenzy; just a year earlier, The New York Times had claimed that sharks did not seem to be dangerous in U.S. waters [source: McCall]. In the absence of Roy Schneider and Richard Dreyfuss, U.S. President Woodrow Wilson had to deal with the crisis. Wilson held special meetings with his Cabinet and dispatched the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Coast Guard to eliminate these sea menaces.
The common thread in both of these stories is the element of surprise and the unknown. One reason why shark attacks scare us so much is that one moment we are swimming peacefully, and the next moment, we have lost a limb. But we know much more today about where sharks live than we did in 1916, so we can give you an idea of where you might want to be more cautious about sharks.
Therefore, before you pack up the car for a beach trip, take a look at this list of locations that are notorious for shark attacks. That does not mean you should not go. After all, shark attacks are rare, with only 137 attacks and 11 fatalities occurring worldwide in 2021 [source: ISAF]. You should perhaps be more concerned about rip tides, jellyfish, and car accidents than unexpectedly encountering one of these fearsome creatures. Nevertheless, it is certainly worthwhile to review the tips for avoiding a shark attack before swimming at any of these ten locations.
Statistics in This Article
The statistics in this article are from the International Shark Attack File (ISAF), which maintains data on all documented shark attacks. The ISAF is managed by the American Elasmobranch Society and the Florida Museum of Natural History and has records of shark attacks dating back to the mid-1500s. The ISAF does not list shark fatalities by nation, state, or province, only globally. Typically, the world sees about six fatalities each year [source: Florida Museum].
10: Papua New Guinea
A vessel docks on Manus island in Papua, New Guinea. HADI ZAHER/Getty Images
Papua New Guinea is the eastern part of the island of New Guinea, the world’s largest tropical island [source: FAO]. Located in the Pacific Ocean, Papua New Guinea has had 48 shark attacks since 1848 [source: ISAF]. That is more than New Zealand, which has seen 39 attacks since 1852 [source: ISAF]. However, New Zealand has 9,404 miles (15,134 kilometers) of coastline, whereas Papua New Guinea has only 3,201 miles (5,152 kilometers) of coast.
Divers from around the world visit Papua New Guinea to witness the diverse marine life found in the country’s varying aquatic environments, with shark dives being a popular attraction. It is uncertain whether the shark attacks in Papua New Guinea are caused by divers and tourists or by the locals who fish for sharks, as the natives have traditionally fished for sharks and still practice an ancient art known as shark calling in some regions. In shark calling, callers communicate with shark spirits through ritual songs and prayers to lure the sharks closer to the boat, where they are captured and taken home to be consumed by the villagers.
South Carolina has had 107 shark attacks since 1837, with Charleston County and Horry County being the most affected due to the presence of several beach towns. Although South Carolina’s waters are home to twelve different species of sharks, including the tiger and bull shark, the state is considered less dangerous than Florida due to the continental shelf being located much further out from the coastline, making it harder for sharks to approach the shore. However, North Carolina, which has had 64 shark attacks, is still a potential threat.
Brazil has had 107 shark bites since 1931, with most of the attacks occurring in the waters off Recife. The construction of Porto Suape in the 1980s sealed off two freshwater estuaries, causing many bull sharks to start birthing in the estuary that discharges into Recife’s waters. The sharks then began using a nearby channel, which surfers frequented, as their new feeding grounds. The disposal of blood from a nearby slaughterhouse in adjacent tributaries may have also attracted sharks closer to Recife’s shore.
Since certain events, the coastline of Recife measuring 12.5 miles (20 kilometers) has become an exceedingly perilous place with a larger proportion of attacks resulting in death. One out of every three shark attacks in Recife leads to a fatality [source: Kingstone].
7: California
Sharks have an affinity for seals, just like those at La Jolla Beach, California. ShutterRunner.com (Matty Wolin)/Getty Images
In December 2021, a 42-year-old man lost his life to a great white shark while bodyboarding in Morro Bay [source: Branson-Potts]. There have been 29 reported shark bites along the California coast since 2012, with three fatal attacks within that time frame [source: ISAF].
California has had three shark bites in 2021, one of which was fatal, and a total of 130 since 1926. Shark attacks in California are more likely to take place in the northern California coast, in the notorious Red Triangle.
The Red Triangle is made up of roughly 90 miles (145 kilometers) of the Northern California coastline between Point Reyes and Monterey Bay. From these two points, lines extend and converge just beyond the Farallon Islands, west of San Francisco. These waters are home to a large number of seals, which in turn attract many great white sharks.
However, the Red Triangle also has numerous beaches that are popular among surfers, such as Bolinas Beach and Stinson Beach. One tour guide operator even referred to Stinson as “the granddaddy of all shark beaches” [source: Regenold]. While the great white sharks are known to frequent the Red Triangle, there is still a possibility of an attack along the rest of California’s coastline as well [source: Shark Research Institute].
6: Brevard County, Florida
A baby boy rests on a surfboard at a beach in Brevard County, Florida. Rich Johnson of Spectacle Photo/Getty Images
The state of Florida has witnessed a staggering 895 shark attacks between 1882 and 2021, which is why it features on this list twice. Our first entry is Brevard County, where 155 attacks have taken place since 1882 [source: ISAF].
One of the reasons why Florida has such a high number of shark attacks is due to the large number of tourists who are enthusiastic about getting into the water. Brevard County is just an hour’s drive away from Orlando, where visitors can see Mickey at Disney World. The county is home to the famous “Space Coast,” which spans 70 miles (113 kilometers) and is named after the space center at Cape Canaveral. Visitors can also enjoy Cocoa Beach and Melbourne Beach.
While the number of shark attacks is undoubtedly high, Brevard County is dangerous for a variety of other reasons. In 2008, Forbes named Brevard County beaches the deadliest for rip current drownings. Between 1995 and 2017, 27 people drowned as a result of rip currents in Brevard, a rate that is higher than any other county in the United States, with the exception of Volusia in Florida (which we will discuss later) [source: Weather.gov]. Some parts of this coastline also fall into Florida’s “Lightning Alley,” an area that experiences the most lightning strikes in the United States. So, when you’re not worrying about sharks, you should be concerned about the weather forecast.
5: Hawaii
Sharks are drawn to low tides in Hawaii. M Sweet/Getty Images
No visit to Hawaii is complete without stopping by Oahu or Maui. Two-thirds of Hawaii’s 159 shark attacks since 1828 have occurred off the coasts of these two islands, with 64 attacks taking place in Maui and 42 attacks in Oahu. Other islands are also not immune, with 28 attacks taking place off Kauai and 19 off the big island of Hawaii [source: ISAF].
The state of Hawaii is known for its beautiful beaches and tropical weather, but it is also home to around 40 species of sharks. Despite the relatively low number of shark attacks compared to the millions of tourists who visit each year, it is still important to be cautious. Among the species found in Hawaii is the tiger shark, which is responsible for the second-highest number of attacks on humans after the great white shark.
Hawaii has a mixed history when it comes to shark control. While a fatal shark attack in 1959 led to a government-sponsored eradication program that lasted for decades, some Native Hawaiians consider the tiger shark to be a guardian spirit and hold it in high regard.
Queensland, Australia ranks fourth on the list of the world’s most dangerous shark-infested waters. Home to 166 different species of sharks, attacks are not uncommon in this region. In 2006, Sarah Kate Whiley was attacked by three bull sharks while swimming near Brisbane, resulting in the loss of both her arms and injuries to her stomach and legs. Queensland’s eastern coast, which is densely populated, is especially prone to shark attacks. To protect swimmers, some beaches in Queensland are equipped with drumlines and protective netting.
New South Wales, Australia, which is located south of Queensland, also has a high number of shark attacks. Since 1700, there have been 267 attacks in this region, with five attacks and one fatality in 2021 alone. In 2015, a surfer died after a shark attack that resulted in the loss of both his legs, marking the third fatal attack in New South Wales in just 12 months.
In New South Wales, protective measures such as nets and mesh installed in the waters have kept shark attacks low, with 51 beaches protected as of 2017. However, these measures have also caught many harmless sharks and other marine animals, leading environmentalists to advocate for caged enclosures for swimmers. Meanwhile, South Africa is a popular destination for shark diving, with a variety of species to see and some operators claiming it is safe. However, the industry is controversial, with concerns about changing shark behavior due to the use of chumming and the risk of attacks. Volusia County, Florida has had the highest number of shark attacks recorded in Florida, with its New Smyrna Beach earning the nickname “Shark Attack Capital of the World” due to the high number of incidents per square mile.
For decades, Volusia County has held the title of the top spot for shark attacks. Despite the question of whether the people swimming at New Smyrna Beach are particularly appetizing to the sharks or if they are hungrier in this area due to the abundance of baitfish, the true reason for the high number of attacks is simply the number of people in the water. Swimmers and fishermen alike flock to these waters, and the beaches in this county are extremely popular for surfing, with as many as 300 surfers in the water on a given day. Despite being known as the “shark attack capital of the world,” surfers and swimmers continue to frequent these beaches, with some even leaving angry voicemails when the beaches are closed following shark sightings and attacks. However, the attacks in Volusia County are typically minor bites, and victims often drive themselves to the hospital. This information was originally published on June 13, 2008.
of Shark Attacks and Tips for Prevention”
Plenty of Additional Information
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- 15 Tips for Surviving a Shark Attack
More Useful Links
- International Shark Attack File
- ReefQuest Centre for Shark Research
Sources
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- Branson-Potts, Hailey. “‘We’ve lost Tom’: Fatal shark attack in Morro Bay devastates family and alarms surfers.” Los Angeles Times. Jan. 2, 2022 (May 22, 2022) https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-01-02/fatal-morro-bay-shark-attack-devastates-family-alarms-surfers
- Cahill, Tim. “Here, Sharky, Sharky.” Outside Magazine. August 1998. (May 21, 2022) https://www.outsideonline.com/1819736/here-sharky-sharky
- Canedy, Dana. “Smitten Beachgoers Still Brave the Water.” New York Times. Aug. 22, 2001. (May 21, 2022) https://www.nytimes.com/2001/08/22/us/florida-journal-smitten-beachgoers-still-brave-the-water.html
- Capuzzo, Michael. “Relax, Sharks are Picky Eaters.” Wall Street Journal. Aug. 31, 2001. (May 21, 2022) https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB999213641585189323
- Cratchley, Drew. “First fatal shark attack in two years.” Australian Associated Press. April 8, 2008. (May 21, 2022) https://web.archive.org/web/20090308133004/http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,23506715-1702,00.html
- Cuadros, Paul. “In shallow waters danger runs deep.” Time. Sept. 4, 2000. (May 22, 2022) https://content.time.com/time/subscriber/article/0,33009,997853,00.html
- Essoyan, Susan. “Hawaii Studying Tiger Shark Hunt in Wake of Attacks.” Los Angeles Times. May 14, 1992. (May 22, 2022) https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-05-14-mn-3009-story.html
- Florida Museum. “2017 ‘Average’ Year for Shark Deaths.” Floridamuseum.ufl.edu. (May 22, 2022) https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/science/2017-average-year-for-shark-attacks-deaths/
- Gaffney, Rick. “Tourism and Jaws.” Pacific Fisheries Coalition. 2000. (May 22, 2022) https://web.archive.org/web/20140402182444/http://www.pacfish.org/sharkcon/documents/gaffneyr.html
- Hamilton, Richard. “SA shark attacks blamed on tourism.” BBC News. May 15, 2004. (May 22, 2022)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/3716093.stm
- Hulen, Jim. “How likely are shark attacks in North Myrtle Beach?” North Myrtle Beach News. (May 22, 2022) https://web.archive.org/web/20140604032708/http://www.northmyrtlebeachonline.com/modules/AMS/article.php?storyid=470
- “Interesting facts, myths, trivia and general information about lightning.” Weather.gov. (May 22, 2022). https://www.weather.gov/mlb/lightning_facts
- International Shark Attack File. “Brazil. ” Floridamuseum.ufl.edu. (May 22, 2022) https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/shark-attacks/maps/sa/brazil/
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- International Shark Attack File. “Oceania. ” Floridamuseum.ufl.edu. (May 22, 2022) https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/shark-attacks/maps/oceania/
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The following is a list of sources related to shark attacks, including articles about specific attacks, the history of shark panic, and measures taken to prevent attacks. The sources cover a range of topics such as global warming’s impact on shark attacks, the effectiveness of shark nets, and the most dangerous beaches for shark attacks. The sources include websites from organizations such as the Australian Museum Business Services and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, as well as news outlets such as The Observer and Forbes.
FAQ
1. What are the most dangerous places for shark attacks?
The most dangerous places for shark attacks are Florida, Australia, South Africa, Brazil, California, Hawaii, and North Carolina. These areas have the highest number of shark attacks recorded each year.
2. What types of sharks are most commonly involved in attacks?
The most commonly involved sharks in attacks are the great white shark, tiger shark, and bull shark. These sharks are known to be aggressive and are often found in the waters near the most dangerous areas for shark attacks.
3. What causes shark attacks?
Shark attacks are often caused by mistaken identity, where the shark confuses a human for its natural prey. Other causes can be provoked attacks, where the shark feels threatened or territorial, or exploratory attacks, where the shark is simply curious.
4. How can you protect yourself from a shark attack?
You can protect yourself from a shark attack by avoiding swimming in areas known for high shark activity, swimming in groups rather than alone, avoiding wearing shiny jewelry or bright clothing, and not swimming at dawn or dusk when sharks are most active.
5. What should you do if you encounter a shark?
If you encounter a shark, remain calm and do not panic. Do not splash or thrash around, as this can attract the shark. Slowly move back to shore or the boat, keeping an eye on the shark at all times.
6. How often do shark attacks occur?
Shark attacks are relatively rare, with an average of 80 attacks occurring worldwide each year. However, the number of attacks varies from year to year and depends on factors such as weather, ocean conditions, and human behavior.
7. What is the mortality rate for shark attacks?
The mortality rate for shark attacks is approximately 10%. This means that out of every 10 people who are attacked by sharks, one will not survive.
8. What is the most common activity associated with shark attacks?
The most common activity associated with shark attacks is surfing. Surfers are often in the water for long periods of time and can be mistaken for a shark’s natural prey, such as a seal or sea lion.
9. Are there any shark-safe beaches?
There are no completely shark-safe beaches, as sharks can be found in all ocean waters. However, there are beaches that are known to have lower shark activity, such as those with rocky or steep shorelines, or those with colder water temperatures.
10. What is being done to prevent shark attacks?
Efforts to prevent shark attacks include increased public education about shark behavior and safety measures, beach patrols and shark warnings, and research on shark behavior and habitat.
11. Can sharks be trained not to attack humans?
Sharks cannot be trained not to attack humans, as they are wild animals that act on instinct. However, humans can take steps to avoid shark encounters and reduce the likelihood of shark attacks.
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