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THE WORLD’S MOST FAMOUS SHARK ATTACK SITES
The following sites are the world’s most common shark attack areas:
1. Volusia County, Florida – There have been 210 attacks in this small area since 1882. Fortunately, none have been fatal. This is the most dangerous spot in terms of attacks per square mile, rather than total number of sharks or attacks on humans in general. It has been estimated that any swimmer at New Smyrna has been within about 3 metres of a shark at any one time. This is due mainly to the fact that there are just so many people in the waters in this area. It may also be influenced by the increased amount of baitfish here. Interestingly, most attacks in this area are not serious, with minor bites usually resulting in wounds that heal fairly well.  Caribbean Reef Shark - Carcharhinus perezii
2. South Africa – There have been 42 fatalities from 214 shark attacks in the last century in South Africa. This country is a particularly water-sport-centred one, meaning that there are plenty of swimmers, surfers, snorkelers and divers in the water. In addition, the weather is great almost all year round, so water enthusiasts are able to enjoy these coastlines for most seasons. This allows sharks, of which there are many in South African seas, extra opportunities to attack. Shark cage diving is an increasingly popular trend, particularly in the Western Cape. This lures sharks to the shallow waters and allows tourists or locals to witness them from the safety of a metal cage. There are many theories that this is causing the animals to associate food with people, and could be increasing the incidence of attacks. Great White Sharks are particularly common on the South African coastline.
3. New South Wales, Australia – Australia has some of the world’s best beaches and surf spots. However, these beaches are also home to many shark species, some of which are more prone to attacking humans than others. Since 1700, there have been 61 deaths caused by shark attacks. In more recent years, shark nets have been constructed to decrease the danger to swimmers and surfers. Due to an outcry by concerned environmentalists, these nets (which also capture everything else that tries to swim closer to shore) may be replaced by caged areas in which swimmers are protected.
4. Hawaii – The islands of Oahu and Maui are particularly susceptible to shark attacks as they have a combined 70 attacks with nine fatalities since 1882. There are about 40 different shark species living off the Hawaiian coastline, including the dangerous Tiger Shark, notorious for its unpredictable aggressiveness and its attacks on people.
5. Queensland, Australia – Since 1700, there have been 103 attacks and 38 fatalities in the Queensland waters. This coastline is particularly well populated by various shark species, including the dangerous Bull Shark. Some areas have been protected by shark nets and baited hooks, designed to lure sharks away from where bathers are. However, environmentalists continue to contest the merit of such methods.
6. Brevard County, Florida – In 2007 alone, there were 71 shark attacks in the entire world. 32 of them took place in Florida. This area enjoys the influx of tourists, many of whom flock to the beaches to enjoy the hot sun, warm sands and refreshing waves.
7. Brazil – Brazil has experienced 89 attacks and 21 fatalities since 1931. The problem lies in the construction around the small beach town of Recife. This development closed two estuaries off, which were freshwater retreats for Bull Sharks to give birth to their young. The closest facility for these sharks to birth is now the estuary that runs straight into Recife’s ocean water. In addition, a local abattoir was throwing old blood away in the tributary, attracting even more sharks to the area.
8. California –The notorious Red Triangle is known for its great seal population, which has led to an equally impressive population of Great White Sharks. The Red Triangle comprises several beaches, many of which remain popular, despite their foreboding name and reputation.
9. South Carolina – These ocean waters are home to about 40 different shark species, including the Tiger Shark and the Bull Shark, which are both considered to be considerable threats to human beings. Along with the great number of swimmers in the water, there are also several offshore estuaries in this area, where sharks are able to give birth in relatively safe conditions. This has attracted the animals all the more so, particularly Bull Sharks.
10. Papua New Guinea – New Guinea is the largest tropical island. Since 1925, Papua New Guinea has seen 49 shark attacks with 25 fatalities in only 5152 kilometres of coastline. Fishing is a core business in this area and shark products are frequently sold. Fishermen have been luring sharks to their boats for years, which may have created a connection between people and food for the local sharks.
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