'Less shark attacks in 2005'

2006-02-14 09:26

Miami - Shark attacks dropped worldwide to 58 last year, down from 64 in 2004, as beachgoers have become vigilant and the predator's population has diminished, the International Shark Attack File (Isaf) said on Monday.

A majority of the attacks, 38, took place in the United States, followed by 10 in Australia, four in South Africa and one each in the Bahamas, St Martin, Fiji, Vanuatu and South Korea, according to Isaf.

The number of people killed by sharks also dropped from seven to four, said the Florida-based institute, which manages the largest shark attack database in the world.

"It appears that humans are doing a better job of avoiding being bitten, and on the rare occasion where they actually meet up with a shark, are doing the right thing to save their lives," said Isaf director George Burgess.

Be aggressive

For instance, a surfer in the northwestern US state of Oregon saved himself by punching a shark's nose in December, Burgess said.

"That gentleman did precisely what he should do under those circumstances," he said.

"A person who is under attack should act aggressively toward the shark and not follow the advice given to women who are having their purses snatched in New York City, which is to lie on the ground, play dead and give up the purse," he added.

The reduction in shark attacks may also be linked to a drop in the predator's population due to global overfishing, Burgess said.

The southeastern US state of Florida maintained its grim title as world shark attack capital. There were 18 attacks, including one fatal, in 2005, up from 12 in 2004, Burgess said.

In Australia, the high number of attacks followed a rise in the country's population and the growth of tourism in recent decades, he said.

The record year for shark attacks was 2000, where 78 assaults were recorded worldwide, including 11 fatal cases.

- AFP