Shark Attacks over the Last 20 Years

great white sharks ventana travel

Shark attacks can be a terrifying subject, but it’s important to note that they’re rare occurrences. However, over the last 20 years, there have been notable incidents that have captured public attention. Some of these include:

  1. 2010 – Egypt: A series of shark attacks occurred in Egypt’s Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh in December 2010. The attacks led to beach closures and the implementation of measures to prevent further incidents.
  2. 2011 – Western Australia: There was a spike in shark attacks off the coast of Western Australia in 2011. This prompted discussions about shark control measures and increased public awareness about the risks of swimming in certain areas.
  3. 2015 – North Carolina, USA: In June and July 2015, several shark attacks occurred along the coast of North Carolina, leading to one fatality and several injuries. The incidents prompted beach closures and heightened concerns among beachgoers.
  4. 2018 – Reunion Island: Reunion Island, a French territory in the Indian Ocean, experienced a number of shark attacks in recent years, including several fatalities. These incidents have sparked debates about shark conservation and public safety measures.
  5. 2020 – Australia: Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, there were several shark attacks reported in Australia, particularly off the coast of New South Wales. These incidents reignited discussions about shark management strategies and beach safety.

These are just a few examples, and while they understandably garner significant media attention, it’s important to remember that shark attacks remain rare events compared to other risks associated with water activities.

Sharks of the Sea of Cortez

thresher shark sea of cortez

The Sea of Cortez, also known as the Gulf of California, is home to a diverse range of shark species. Some of the sharks commonly found in the Sea of Cortez include:

  1. Hammerhead Sharks: Both scalloped hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna lewini) and smooth hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna zygaena) can be found in the Sea of Cortez.
  2. Whale Sharks: These gentle giants, the largest fish species in the world, are occasionally spotted in the Sea of Cortez, especially around areas with high plankton concentrations.
  3. Bull Sharks: Bull sharks (Carcharhinus leucas) are known to inhabit the coastal and estuarine waters of the Sea of Cortez. They are one of the few shark species that can tolerate freshwater and are sometimes found in river mouths and lagoons.
  4. Silky Sharks: Silky sharks (Carcharhinus falciformis) are commonly found in the open waters of the Sea of Cortez, particularly around offshore islands and seamounts.
  5. Blue Sharks: Blue sharks (Prionace glauca) are pelagic sharks that inhabit the open ocean, including the waters of the Sea of Cortez. They are often encountered by fishermen and divers in offshore areas.
  6. Thresher Sharks: Pelagic thresher sharks (Alopias pelagicus) are occasionally seen in the Sea of Cortez. These sharks are known for their long, whip-like tails, which they use to stun prey.

These are just a few examples of the shark species found in the Sea of Cortez. The region’s diverse marine ecosystem supports a wide variety of marine life, including numerous shark species.

Where are the most great white sharks?

Great white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) are found in various locations around the world, and their distribution can be influenced by factors such as water temperature, prey availability, and migration patterns. Some of the notable areas where great white sharks are frequently observed include:

  1. California, USA:
    • The waters off the coast of California, particularly around regions like the Farallon Islands, Point Reyes, and Guadalupe Island, are known for great white shark activity. The Farallon Islands, in particular, are a well-known feeding ground for these sharks.
  2. South Africa:
    • Seal Island near Cape Town is famous for its great white shark population. Shark Alley, located between Dyer Island and Geyser Rock, is a popular area where great whites are known for preying on seals.
  3. Australia:
    • Various coastal regions in Australia, including South Australia (Neptune Islands), Western Australia, and New South Wales, are known for great white shark presence. The waters around the southern part of the country are considered hotspots.
  4. New Zealand:
    • Areas around New Zealand, such as the Chatham Islands, Stewart Island, and the waters of the South Island, are known to have great white sharks.
  5. Mexico:
    • Guadalupe Island, off the coast of Baja California, is a popular location for cage diving with great white sharks. The crystal-clear waters make it an ideal spot to observe these predators.
  6. South America:
    • Regions along the coasts of Argentina and Chile, particularly around Tierra del Fuego and Patagonia, are known for great white shark activity.
  7. Mediterranean Sea:
    • While less common, great white sharks have been occasionally reported in the Mediterranean Sea. Their presence is usually associated with the western and southern parts of the basin.
  8. Southwest Pacific:
    • Some regions in the Southwest Pacific, including parts of Japan and South Korea, have reported great white shark sightings.

It’s important to note that great white sharks are highly migratory and can cover vast distances. They may move between different regions and even cross entire ocean basins. Conservation efforts are underway to better understand their behavior, migratory patterns, and the factors influencing their movements in order to protect and manage their populations. If you’re interested in observing great white sharks, consider doing so through responsible ecotourism practices, such as cage diving with reputable operators who prioritize the safety of both sharks and humans.