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Shark attacks are on the increase in our seas. As the waters become warmer due to global warming, sharks are coming closer and closer to the shore and they are also striking with more alarming frequency.

- A Beautiful Creature -

The sight of a huge shark strikes terror into the hearts of mankind around the world like no other creature can. Their ferocity and cold, calculating, predatory nature, give them supreme and formidable status within the world’s oceans.

The music to the film Jaws was perfectly composed and I should imagine that it would just about sum up the mounting terror one would feel when in the throes of an imminent shark attack.

- Jaws Theme Tune - YouTube -

Shark attack increase is also being blamed on an increase in the popularity of aquatic sports; with surfers more at risk than anyone else in the water. Sharks are mistaking the shape of them on a surf board for sea turtles.

Surfing is known as “provocative activity” to sharks and surfers are particularly at risk when riding the waves.

This is mainly because surfers spend most of their time in the “splash zone”, an area in the sea where sharks congregate to look for prey.

Surfers also create splash themselves, adding further weight to the problem. When there is a lot of white water and splash, visibility is reduced, and many sharks will mistake surfers for prey.

- YouTube - Shark Attack on a Surfer by not 1, but 2 Sharks -

A diver in a wetsuit can be mistaken for a seal or sea-lion by a shark. Basically, mass human invasion into the shark’s territory is the main root of the problem; it is as simple as that.

Millions of people flock to sunny hot spots all over the world for holiday or escape and as the population increases, so does the shark attack.

There is another theory and one that seems quite probable. In certain countries, sharks are being enticed into shallow waters for mass feeding events to lure tourists to the beaches.

There are several known organisations in Florida and the Bahamas which plant large food amounts in the water, to lure the sharks into the shallow water as a show for visitors.

Common sense will help to avoid attack and careless actions cost lives and limbs. It’s up to you. -

The serious attacks are made in the main by four species. The Bull shark. the Tiger, the Great White and the Oceanic Whitetip shark.

- To lessen the risk of shark attack: -

Always stay in groups

Do not wander too far from the shore

Do not wear shiny jewellery

Do not enter the water if bleeding

Avoid waters where there are signs of bait fishing

Refrain from excess splashing

Signs of porpoises do not indicate an absence of sharks

Use extra caution when waters are murky

Evacuate the water if sharks are there -