Maxwell Kritharis
How many shark attacks have occurred in Australia in the last 100 years? Briefly list and describe each. Are attacks increasing or decreasing? Why do you think this is so? What recommendations would you make for the future?
There have been 777 shark attacks in Australian waters over the past 215 years. According to Taronga Zoo's Australian Shark Attack File, 192 of those attacks have been fatal. In the past 50 years, there have been 60 deaths from shark attacks.
A list of all the shark attacks from the past 100 years is attached.
A lot of people are scared of getting attacked by a shark, but they are not as common as people think. Compared to other water-related activities such as diving and fishing the number of fatal shark attacks is extremely low. For example, from 1969 to 2000, 218 rock fisherman in NSW drowned while there were only two deaths from shark attacks.
So now you're asking, "Are shark attacks increasing or decreasing?" The answer is increasing. This is because the population in Australia is increasing, meaning there are more people swimming and are at risk. During last week's heatwave – when it reached 41 degrees in Manly – lots of people went to the beach to go swimming. Some researchers also say that the number of shark attacks has increased because technology has improved and there the statistics are more accurate and more people are reporting attacks to the authorities.
In the future, I would recommend the following 10 steps to avoid shark attacks:
Step 1: Stay out of shark infested waters.
Step 2: Know your shark. If you're going swimming, find out what type of sharks live and hunt there.
Step 3: Dress appropriately. Don't wear bright swimwear as it attracts sharks. Don't wear jewellery in the water because it sparkles in the sun and sharks might think you're fish with shiny scales.
Step 4: Be aware of the sharks at all time, always be on the lookout for dark shadows in the water.
Step 5: Don't splash and make lots of noise because you'll get the attention of sharks. They might think you're a wounded animal.
Step 6: Swim in a group. Sharks are less likely to attack a group of people.
Step 7: Recognise aggressive behaviour. Sharks that swim slowly and smoothly are not likely to attack, they are just having a look around. If you see a shark thrashing around and swimming aggressively, get out of the water straight away because it means they're angry and likely to attack.
Step 8: Stay out of the water during dawn and dusk and at night. Sharks hunt when it's dark which makes swimming more risky for humans at night. It is also harder for you to see sharks in the water at night.
Step 9: Stay out of the water if you're bleeding because sharks are attracted to blood.
Step 10: Don't provoke sharks. Almost half of the reported xhark sttacks come as a result of people harassing sharks, particularly divers. Never try to catch or pat a shark because it will attack.