COCOA BEACH, Florida — The International Shark Attack File (ISAF) released its 2012 Worldwide Shark Attack Summary today after investigating 118 alleged incidents of shark-human interaction occurring worldwide in 2012. Eighty of those incidents were classified by ISAF as unprovoked shark attacks – up slightly from 78 in 2011.
The United States had the most shark attacks world-wide at 53. Australia was second with 14. The 53 attacks in the United States was the highest U.S. yearly total since 53 attacks were recorded in 2000, according to ISAF researchers from the University of Florida.
Florida had the most, and nearly half (26) of all unprovoked shark attacks in the United States. Hawaii had the second highest (10) number of shark attacks, followed by California (5) ad South Carolina (5) tied in third place.
Within Florida, Brevard County had the highest number of shark attacks at 8. Brevard’s northern neighbor, Volusia County, came in second with 7. ISAF says geographically adjacent counties located on the central east coast have collectively recorded more than half (54%: 360 of 663 cases) of Florida’s historic shark-human interactions.
Researchers say that this high number of shark attacks around Florida’s Space Coast is attributable to very high aquatic recreational utilization of their attractive beaches and waters by both Florida residents and tourists, especially surfers, and the rich nature of Florida’s marine fauna.
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| Visitors to Cocoa Beach wade out towards sea gulls feeding on a school of bait fish. The fish are swimming to the water’s surface to avoid ocean predators (possibly sharks) in the water. Brevard Times / File. |
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Located on Central Florida’s East Coast, Cocoa Beach is often frequented by tourists visiting Orlando theme parks and cruise passengers out of Port Canaveral. It is also known as the “East Coast Surf Capitol” and home of Ron Jon Surf Shop.
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| Woman attacked by shark in Brevard County. Brevard Times / File photo. |
According to NOAA, the number one species for biting along the beaches on the U.S. East Coast is the blacktip shark (Carcharhinus limbatus) in the top picture. The shark has black tips on its pectoral fins and grows to no more than about six feet.
FATALITIES:
Seven fatalities resulted from unprovoked attacks in 2012, down from the 2011 total of 13 but above the 2001-2010 yearly average of 4.4. Fatalities were recorded in South Africa (3), Australia (2), California (1) and Reunion (1). The annual fatality rate of 8.8% was less than the 1990’s average of 12.5%, but slightly higher than the 7.4% average of the first decade of this century. The trend in fatality rate has been one of constant reduction over the past 11 decades, reflective of advances in beach safety practices and medical treatment, and increased public awareness of avoiding potentially dangerous situations.
The fatality rate in the U.S. was notably lower (1.9%) than that of rest of the world (22.2%), which researchers believe is likely reflective of the greater safety and medical capacity in areas of the U.S. where shark attacks historically occur. This highlights the need for increasing efforts to improve beach safety said ISAF, including educating the public about the risk of sharks, providing well-trained lifeguards, and advancing emergency care and medical capabilities in many areas of the world.
Surfers and others participating in board sports (60% of cases: 48 incidents) were most often involved in these incidents in 2012. Less affected recreational user groups included swimmers/waders (22%) and divers (8%). Surfers have been the most-affected user group in recent years. Researchers say that this is the probable result of the large amount of time spent by these folks engaged in provocative activity (kicking of feet, splashing of hands, and “wipeouts”) in areas frequented by sharks, the surf zone.
TOP PHOTO: NOAA file photo of a black tip shark.
BREVARD COUNTY SHARK NEWS STORIES:
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21 August 2013, 7:45 PM. Melb bch Versailles. Catching the mid break surfing into the shore break hollow tubes, lots of fun. On my paddle back out I noticed a 3" fin paralleling me 20feet to my south, another fin trailing about 8' behind. Not good. I immediately turned to shore took two big strokes and pulled my arms and legs in and stopped paddling. I was ridding a 9' Long Board.5 seconds later the shark came upalong the north side of me, less than 10' away. It was definitely bigger than my board. As soon as his tail was even with my head, I started paddling towards the shark who was heading towards shore. About five good strokes & coasted towards shore with my arms and legs on the board. This may have startled the shark. He accelerated a little and went under. 10 more seconds went by and I was able to do a shallow two stroke paddle and catch a wave in. I should not have been out this late during this time of year. I know better, but it is hard to lay off the good stuff when it's right out your back door. I believe if I would have tried to paddle straight into shore, he would have attacked. He might have anyhow, but if you panic you look more like prey. So stay cool, stay alert, it's that time of year. Remember, I never saw much fin, but that was a big shark on the hunt. No noticeable fish schools in the area all day.I don't know, but maybe having the fish around is better. I'm just glad I was not on my short board, a last minute call,Keep Surfing.
21 August 2013, 7:45 PM. Melb bch Versailles. Catching the mid break surfing into the shore break hollow tubes, lots of fun. On my paddle back out I noticed a 3" fin paralleling me 20feet to my south, another fin trailing about 8' behind. Not good. I immediately turned to shore took two big strokes and pulled my arms and legs in and stopped paddling. I was ridding a 9' Long Board.5 seconds later the shark came upalong the north side of me, less than 10' away. It was definitely bigger than my board. As soon as his tail was even with my head, I started paddling towards the shark who was heading towards shore. About five good strokes & coasted towards shore with my arms and legs on the board. This may have startled the shark. He accelerated a little and went under. 10 more seconds went by and I was able to do a shallow two stroke paddle and catch a wave in. I should not have been out this late during this time of year. I know better, but it is hard to lay off the good stuff when it's right out your back door. I believe if I would have tried to paddle straight into shore, he would have attacked. He might have anyhow, but if you panic you look more like prey. So stay cool, stay alert, it's that time of year. Remember, I never saw much fin, but that was a big shark on the hunt. No noticeable fish schools in the area all day.I don't know, but maybe having the fish around is better. I'm just glad I was not on my short board, a last minute call,Keep Surfing.