An expert predicted that shark attacks may increase this year and global warming may be to blame.
As Americans face yet another hot climate due to the upcoming summer, beaches are expected to be filled up. Such scenario made International Shark Attack File director George Burgess predict that there will be an increase in shark attacks.
"We should have more bites this year than last," he said.
In 2015, the total number of shark attacks is 98, of which six resulted in deaths.
The combination of increased shark numbers due to conservation measures, bigger human population and warmer temperatures pushing people to go out and swim would explain the expected increase in the number of shark attacks, according to Burgess.
In The Movies
Movies and television shows have vastly improved in terms of depicting ferocious sharks. At present, the effects seem so real and intense that it is very difficult to believe that about 100 years ago, scientists did not buy the idea that sharks in American waters can fatally attack humans without prior stimulus.
In 1891, a millionaire named Hermann Oelrichs even offered $500 (which amounts to about $13,000 now) to any person who could present evidence that a shark has bitten a human in nontropical bodies of water. The prize was never awarded to anyone.
In 1916, however, the ideas of experts changed when four people were attacked by sharks near the New Jersey shore. At first, the deaths were said to be caused by a sea turtle. Later on, they found a great white shark with human remains inside its stomach, confirming that the tragic event was due to a shark attack.
Since then, opinions of the public about sharks significantly changed, especially with the release of the movie Jaws in 1975, alongside other documentaries and media presentations that depicted the savage animals.
Opposite Roles
Over the years, the roles of humans and sharks have reversed, with the former feeling more obliged to catch the latter.
Different industries have found various uses for sharks and their body parts. For example, shark fin soup is considered a delicacy, and other gastronomic products using shark meat have grown in popularity.
Such practices have resulted in shark numbers to plummet. Environmental groups and state governments have made laws to protect the species from human abuse. These laws exposed the vulnerable and quiet nature of sharks.
With the rich history of sharks' image in the public eye, one thing is certain: people have already developed a compelling interest in the species. Some are even willing to pay big just to get close to the animals.
Global warming, shark popularity and human interest - these. among other things, may truly increase shark attack rates. However, whatever the causative factors are, it is imperative for the public to take extra caution and prioritize their safety while out swimming.
