This year there have been more shark attacks than there has been in 80 years. This summer, there were eight shark attacks on the North Carolina coast, a state record, from the Outer Banks to the border with South Carolina. This summer I went to beaches in North Carolina and South Carolina, and the lifeguards were constantly keeping us out of the water. These increased shark attacks are due to many reasons such as:
The summer was warmer than past summers, making many sharks head up the coast earlier in the season. Also, this year’s low rainfall led to higher salinity off the beaches, which brings sharks closer to the shore. Some studies have shown that certain species become agitated above a temperature of 80ºF. So warmer waters could be altering the sharks behavior. Drought conditions reduce freshwater, creating an environment along the shore where higher salt levels attract sharks. A change in wind patterns could be bringing shark food closer to shore, therefore bringing sharks closer.
Food:
This year there was an increase in the number of menhadens, a fish that sharks love to eat. It was also turtle breeding season, which meant that sharks went to the coast to grab them while they went to the shore to lay their eggs.
The biggest cause for these shark attacks could be the increase in the number of humans at the beaches. “ever-increasing amount of time spent in the sea by humans, which increases the opportunities for interaction between the two affected parties,” according to the Florida museum. A constant rising human population is a big factor.
How to avoid shark attacks:
- Stay in a group when you go into the ocean
- Don’t go too deep into the ocean
- Avoid going into the water in the dark at night
- If you are bleeding, do not go into the ocean
- Do not splash a lot if you are in the water
- Do not wear anything shiny or bright colored into the water
- Don’t swim after a huge rainfall or storm
- Avoid swimming near fishing boats
