2023 Shark Bite Statistics: A Look at the Numbers

Contrary to the terrifying depictions of sharks in films like Jaws, it is humans who pose a greater threat to these top marine predators, not the other way around.

Each year, millions of people worldwide swim in the ocean, but only 91 people were bitten by sharks in 2023. Out of these, a mere 10 bites proved fatal, as reported by the Florida Museum of Natural History in Gainesville. The report outlines that out of the total bites, 69 were unprovoked, while 22 resulted from actions instigated by humans, such as attempts to touch or feed the sharks. Data collected by various sources such as beach safety officers and emergency responders has shown these figures to be in line with the global five-year average.

Marine ecologist Joe Miguez of the University of Florida in Gainesville, who put together the data for the report, says the minimal number of shark bites annually suggest that sharks would prefer to steer clear of humans. If sharks viewed humans as a source of food, he explains, we would expect to see thousands of attacks every day.

In 2023, over half of the unprovoked shark bites were recorded in the United States, amounting to a total of 36 cases, slightly down from the previous year's 41 cases. Consistent with long-term patterns, close to a quarter of all unprovoked bites took place in Florida, attributable to the state's extended coastline, plentiful supply of prey-fish, and year-round swimmers.

The fatalities rose to 10 in 2023, double from 2022. Nevertheless, when viewed in a historical context, deaths caused by shark bites are decreasing. This decrease is attributed to quicker and more effective response from humans to deal with bite wounds, informs shark biologist Neil Hammerschlag, who runs Atlantic Shark Expeditions. Most shark bite fatalities aren't necessarily due to a shark devouring someone, but blood loss, Hammerschlag adds. Like humans use their hands, sharks use their teeth as sensory tools to explore their surroundings, he further explains.

In 2023, despite the existence of nearly 550 known species of sharks, fatal shark bites were caused only by three types: great white sharks, bull sharks, and tiger sharks.

Last year, four fatalities resulted from great white sharks, three in southern Australia and one in California. This is probably because certain areas are seeing an increase in white shark populations, especially in places where seals, a major food source for sharks, have recovered from near extinction, says Gavin Naylor from the University of Florida.

The presence of seal colonies near surf breaks, which attract surfers, could potentially lead to more frequent great white shark bites in the future considering the rising numbers of surfers and the growth in shark populations, Naylor explains. Naylor works as a shark population geneticist and also heads the university's International Shark Attack File program.

Collecting data on shark bites serves a dual purpose according to Naylor. It helps protect humans from sharks, while also promoting the survival of these pivotal predators. He highlights that globally, shark populations have dropped by over 70% in the last fifty years, mainly because of increased fishing that has reduced their food supply.

These highly evolved creatures have been around 100 times longer than humans, according to Naylor. With their unique abilities—like the capacity of some species to switch from saltwater to freshwater—sharks can provide significant insights into the survival strategies of other species.

Despite the exceptionally low odds of being bitten by a shark, Naylor suggests some basic safety guidelines. He advises not swimming alone, too far from shore, or during dawn or dusk, to avoid potential shark bites.