Shark Attacks:

A Media Hype or a Management Concern?

Doug Piatkowski

Apex Predators

Essential for balance of aquatic food chain

Acute predatory senses Efficient Predators

- Ampullae of Lorenzini, Smell (detect blood – 1 part per million), Sound (600 yards away), Lateral Line (vibration sensitive hair cells)

Jaws

- Upper jaw slides forward and lower jaw drops

- Pressure of 2,000 lbs. per sq. in.

Problems

Populations declined up to 80% since 70’s

Hunted for sport and commercially

International trade of shark fins “Shark Fin Soup”

- Global trade of shark fins - >7,000 tons of fins/year

Souvenirs – jaws and teeth

Slow Growth, late maturity, and low reproductive potential

Human Fear – lack of compassion and protection

Recent Attacks

July 6, 2001

-Jessie Arbogast

-Horrifying attack by a Bull Shark

-Biggest media hyped shark attack since 1916

-Fueled the “Summer of the Shark”

-News headlines, Dateline, and Time magazine cover story

Media Hype Fear - Decrease in coastal tourism

30 times more likely to get struck by lightning

Summer 2000 - 3 shark attacks in Wrightsville Beach, NC

Summer 2001 – 0 shark attacks!

Management Issues

Efforts to create a sense of “control” and promote tourism

Shark “task force”

- ‘Prevent’ future attacks and “make our waters safer”

Education – pamphlets, new articles…

Ban Shark Feeding – “Pavlovian” situation

SharkPOD’s – Electric shark repellent

Shark Fencing

Should we keep our toes out of the water?

International Shark Attack File

Recent Global Trend DOWN!

2000 – 82 attacks

2001 – 52 attacks!