Misconception: Sharks attacks are on the rise and highly likely
Reality: Looking at the media you would think that shark attacks were increasing quickly and massively which has understandably caused many members of the public to fear the rising danger of shark attacks. However the truth is these media articles are pure hype. Shark attacks are NOT on the rise!
The number of attacks reported each year has not seen a dramatic increase. Yes, we hear more about them on the news and there is an increase compared to 20 years ago but there has also been a massive increase in the number of beach goers, the ability to accurately record all attacks, media interest in sharks AND despite all this the numbers are still low and the risk is far less than that of other dangers. Last year there were 59 shark attacks worldwide with only 4 fatalities. Most of these attacks were single bites where the shark did not bite again or even intend to. This level of attacks is in fact 11 lower than the year before, the same level as in 1997 and less than 1994 level! The number of attacks fluctuates depending on factors such as the number of beach goers however it has NOT risen significantly over the past few years.
Yes, shark attacks are a potential danger when you go to the beach. But so is drowning, heatstroke, surfing accidents, dehydration, jellyfish stings, sunburn...the list goes on! In fact statistics show that more people are injured and killed driving to and from the beachthe risk of attack is far less than that of other beach-related injuries, and even less likely compared to other risks we expose ourselves to everyday (car accidents, dog bites, the flu etc). Just take a look at some of the comparative risks than are killed and injured by shark attacks. One thing is clear: shark attacks are NOT a likely occurrence of your beach visit!
Sources:
Discovery Channel Shark Weekend: Myth vs Reality - http://www.blogger.com/www.discoverychannel.co.uk/web/shark-weekend/myth-vs-reality/
Shark attacks in perspective - http://www.blogger.com/www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/sharks/Attacks/perspect.htm
Shark Savers: Shark Myths - http://www.sharksavers.org/en/education/shark-myths/12-myth-shark-attack.html
Misconception: Sharks seek out humans
Reality: Firstly, of the 346 different species of sharks that exist only 3 species (white sharks, tiger sharks and bull sharks) make up 2/3 of all attacks. Even then, research shows that most “attacks” did not happen with the intention to eat the victim. Rather in most cases the “attack” is a form of inquisitive testing by a shark or else is a reaction to humans invading a shark’s personal space or provoking it. Most “attacks” are accidental and only involve one bite before the shark realises its mistake and moves away. Very few attacks result in fatal injuries.
Research clearly shows that sharks are not “attracted” to humans as a source of food. Sharks will only kill if they sense that the catch has enough calorific content to make further attack worthwhile. Thankfully humans don’t have enough body fat to interest sharks! We’re just not worth it! This is why there are very few fatalities resulting from shark attacks and even those fatalities are generally not because the shark intended to kill.
Sharks are not unselective, killer beasts. Each species favours particular food and NONE of them have humans as their target prey. The number of deaths resulting from shark attacks is extremely low and are generally not the result of a "targeted attack." We humans in fact kill more sharks then sharks kill humans (see below). If anything we seek them out!
Sources:
Shark savers: Shark Myths - http://www.blogger.com/www.sharksavers.org/en/education/shark-myths/52-myth-sharks-eat-anything.html
Australian Shark Attacks - http://adl.brs.gov.au/brsShop/data/12984_attacks_sharks.pdf
Misconception: Shark populations are growing, making attacks more likely
Reality: One common conclusion people come to after hearing about shark attacks in the media is that shark populations are increasing dramatically, making the likelihood of attack even greater. This conclusion is completely inaccurate. Shark populations are in fact dwindling rapidly, threatening the survival of many species and of marine ecosystems in general.
The growing demand for shark meat- for consumption or medical purposes- as well as the increasing volumes of bycatch have resulted in the overfishing of shark populations and the rapid decline of their numbers. At present 250 000 sharks are killed each day by humans. Many species are needing protection to avoid extinction. The hammerhead shark, for example, has had a population decrease of 89% in the last 20 years!
"Sharks help maintain the health of ocean ecosystems, including seagrass beds and coral reefs. Healthy oceans undoubtedly depend on sharks." If we want our oceans to survive then we need to overcome this incorrect, dangerous view that sharks are "evil" and we would be better off without them. Sharks are not man-eaters but humans are shark-eaters.
Sources:
Predators as Prey: Why Healthy Oceans Need Sharks -http://na.oceana.org/sites/default/files/o/fileadmin/oceana/uploads/Sharks/Predators_as_Prey_FINAL_FINAL.pdf
Discovery Channel Shark Weekend: Myth vs Reality - http://www.blogger.com/www.discoverychannel.co.uk/web/shark-weekend/myth-vs-reality/
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