Shark attacks at a record high in 2015
Tuesday, 10 Feb, 2016
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There were a record number of shark attacks worldwide last year with more than half taking place in US waters.
The International Shark Attack File reported a total 98 attacks in 2015, the most since record keeping began 57 years ago.
It easily overtook the previous record of 88 which was set in 2000.
Of the 98 unprovoked attacks that occurred last year, 59 were in the US, with more than half taking place off the Florida coastline.
In addition to 30 shark attacks in Florida, there were eight logged in each of the Carolinas, seven in Hawaii an two each in California and Texas.
There were also single shark attacks in New York and Mississippi.
"Sharks plus humans equals attacks. As our population continues to rapidly grow and shark populations slowly recover, we’re going to see more interactions," said George Burgess, of the Florida Museum of Natural History at the University of Florida, who compiles the annual shark attack figures.
"Each year should be a record number, in theory, because there are more and more humans going into the water and an increased interested in aquatic recreation."
Despite the millions of swimmers and surfers spending time in shark-friendly waters around the world, there were just six deaths, including one in Hawaii.
Australia was the second most frequent shark attack zone with 18 followed by South Africa with eight.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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