SEA 



SCIENCE 



How to 

 Avoid Shark 

 Attacks 



As swimmers or surfers hit the water, the 

 International Shark Attack File (ISAF) 

 offers tips for avoiding sharks: 



• Always stay in groups because sharks 

 are more likely to attack a solitary 

 individual. 



• Do not wander too far from shore 

 because this isolates an individual 

 and places one far away from 

 assistance. 



• Do not enter the water if bleeding 

 from an open wound or menstruat- 

 ing because a shark's sense of smell 

 is highly sensitive. 



• Avoid wearing shining jewelry 

 because reflected light resembles the 

 sheen offish scales. 



• Use extra caution when waters are 

 murky, and avoid uneven tanning 

 and bright-colored clothing because 

 sharks see contrast particularly well. 



• Refrain from excessive splashing, and 

 do not allow pets in the water 

 because of their erratic movements. 



• Remember that sightings of 

 porpoises do not indicate the 

 absence of sharks — both eat the 

 same food. 



• Exercise caution when occupying the 

 area between the sandbars or near 

 steep drop-offs where sharks 



hang out. 



• Do not enter the water if sharks are 

 known to be around, and evacuate 

 the water if any sharks are seen. 



• Do not harass a shark. 



For more information about sharks, 

 visit the ISAF Web site: www.flmnh.ufl. 

 edu/fish/Sharks/ISAF/ISAF.htm 



waters, according to Sharks, Sawfish, Skates and Rays of the Carolinas by Frank J. 

 Schwartz, a University of North Carolina Institute for Marine Sciences researcher. However, 

 only a few of these species are dangerous for swimmers, surfers and divers. 



Along the North Carolina beaches and across the East Coast, the number one species 

 for biting is the blacktip shark (Carcharhinus limbatus), which has black tips on its pectoral 

 fins and grows to no more than about six feet. 



Other species that bite include the spinner shark (Carcharhinus brevipinna) — also 

 known for its black-tipped fins and recognized by its long snout. 



Smaller species that swim close to shore are the blacknose shark (Carcharhinus 

 acronotus), which has a black/dusky smudge on the top of its snout, and the Atlantic 

 sharpnose shark (Rhizoprionodon terraenovae), distinguished by its long, thin shape and 

 sometimes whitish spots on its body. 



The most dangerous shark in surf areas along the southeastern coast is the bull shark 

 (Carcharhinus leucas), which is recognized by its short, broadly round snout, small eyes and 

 subtriangular serrated teeth. This species grows up to nine feet long and feeds on large prey. 



"Bull sharks come into estuaries and fresh water," says Hueter. The bull shark was 

 responsible for the attack last July of an 8-year-old a few feet from the shore in the waters 

 off Pensacola, Fla. 



Where do most shark attacks occur? Usually, in nearshore waters, typically inshore of a 

 sandbar or between sandbars, where sharks feed and can become trapped at low tide. Areas 

 with steep dropoffs also are likely attack sites. Sharks congregate there because their natural 

 food items also congregate in the area. 



Types of Shark Attacks 



The most common type of shark attack is a "hit and run" in the surf zone with 

 swimmers and surfers as the normal target. The victim seldom sees the attacker, and the 

 shark does not return after inflicting a single bite or slash wound. 



"Bump and bite" attacks and "sneak" attacks, while less common, result in greater 

 injuries and most fatalities. These types of attacks usually involve divers or swimmers in 

 somewhat deeper waters, but also occur inshore in some areas of the world. "Bump and 

 bite" attacks are characterized by the shark initially circling and often bumping the victim 

 prior to the actual attack. "Sneak" attacks differ in having the attack occur without warning. 



In the United States, two-thirds of the attacks occur in Florida's Volusia County, which 

 includes Daytona and New Smyrna beaches, according to the ISAF. 



"The large number of incidents is attributable to very high aquatic recreational 

 utilization of its attractive waters by Florida residents and tourists, especially surfers," says 

 Burgess, director of the Florida Program for Shark Research at the University of Florida. 



Last year, one swimmer was killed and another injured at Avon on the North Carolina 

 Outer Banks. From 1991 to 2001, there were 13 unprovoked shark attacks in North Carolina 

 waters, including the one fatality, according to the ISAF. 



Although the relative risk of shark attacks for humans is very small, swimmers and 

 surfers can help prevent attacks by remembering Hueter' s simple slogan: "Between the 

 months of five through nine, go swimming in the ocean from nine to five." 



In other words, from May through September, swimmers and surfers in the southeast 

 can minimize their risk by waiting until well after dawn (after 9 a.m.) to enter the water and 

 getting out well before sundown (by 5 p.m.). 



Large sharks are more active during twilight periods and at night when they have less 

 visual information to go on. □ 



COASTWATCH 29 



