hile surfing the rough waters on the Outer Banks during the past 13 years, Mike Remige has seen fewer than a half dozen sharks. 

 More importantly, Remige never has experienced a shark attack. 

 To avoid a vicious bite by a shark, Remige avoids surfing areas where birds are feeding on bait fish. 

 "The noise from that type of feeding activity may attract sharks," says Remige, an aquarist at the N.C. Aquarium on Roanoke Island. 

 Many experts agree that by taking certain precautions, swimmers and surfers can avoid shark attacks. 

 "A shark attack is a potential danger that must be acknowledged by anyone that frequents marine waters, but it should be kept in perspective," 

 explains George Burgess, director of the International Shark Attack File (EAF) in Florida. "Bees, wasps and snakes are responsible for more 

 fatalities each year. In the United States, the annual risk of death from lightning is 30 times greater than from a shark attack." 



Continued 



Risk of Shark Attack 

 is Minimal 



By Ann Green • Photos by Chris Crumley 



COASTWATCH 27 



