| Despite
reports, state says shark attacks still rare
While it seems like news of shark attacks along Florida's coast
are making headlines everyday, the facts still show that shark attacks
are very rare. In fact, in most cases a shark attack is really a
shark bite. Because of the media "frenzy" the issue of shark attacks
has gained a lot of publicity. This has likewise lead to a similar
"frenzy" in public opinions and concerns. Images of hundreds of
sharks swimming in nearshore waters, combined with the recent string
of bites on Florida's east coast, have understandably heightened
public awareness and the reality of this phenomenon. Florida Fish
and Wildlife Conservation Commission Chairman, David Meehan says,
"The public has been asking,'what's with the recent interest in
sharks?' Conversations with the statisticians and biologists indicate
there is nothing new at all. We appear to be slightly behind last
year's number of shark attacks. Large groups of sharks, recently
reported seen following concentrations of baitfish, are also normal
activity for this time of year." Despite the appearance of recent
events, sharks don't hunt people. Most shark attacks are thought
by experts to be cases of mistaken identity. This is why nearly
all attacks that occur in Florida waters are of a bite-and-release
nature. As of September 19, the International Shark Attack File
recorded 54 shark attacks worldwide this year. Forty-three of those
happened in the United States; 31 of them were in Florida waters.
Even with slightly more than two dozen shark attacks reported this
year people are still more likely to be attacked by bees, struck
by lightning, or attacked by an alligator. The fact remains that
sharks are a vital part of our marine ecosystem. Their general biology
and life history make sharks vulnerable to overfishing, which is
why federal and state regulations are in place to protect this valuable
resource.
(Article from Florida Marine Research Institute) |
|
