Report: Shark Attacks by the Numbers, Australia Takes the Lead in Fatalities
South Australia is home to the deadliest waters in the world, according to a new report from the University of Florida.
The news may not come as a surprise though, after reports of numerous shark attacks—including deadly ones—have been emerging from the Land Down Under consistently.
Last year, Australia was home to 15 shark attacks, including four fatalities. According to the report, surfers are at the highest risk as "most bites are associated with surfing and board sports," and account for 42% of shark bite incidents.
In the story above, Australian publication Glam Adelaide takes a bite out of the report, published by the university's International Shark Attack File (ISAF), the world's only scientifically documented, comprehensive database of all known shark attacks.
Researchers found that while Australia had less than half the number of unprovoked attacks shark attacks compared to the US in 2023, it had the most fatal attacks.
When it comes to non-fatal shark attacks, the United States took first place with 36 attacks—16 in Florida, eight in Hawaii, four in New York, three in North Carolina, two in California and South Carolina, and one in New Jersey.
But with shark-related fatalities, Australia took first place with four deadly shark attacks, compared to two in the United States.
According to the report:
"Australia‘s total of 15 unprovoked incidents is in line with the five-year annual average of 15 incidents for the region.
"Seven of these occurred in western Australia, one of which was fatal (bull shark), and five bites occurred in South Australia, three of which were fatal (all white sharks).
"One bite was recorded for Queensland, for New South Wales, and for Tasmania over the year."
The rise in shark attacks has left Australian officials desperate for a solution, proposing shark DNA testing and killing sharks as options to protect surfers and other people who enjoy the ocean.
However, despite great white sharks making a comeback, the chances of an attack are slim.
According to the ISAF, "The risk of being bitten by a shark remains extremely low."
Click here to read the full report.
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