An annual report on shark assaults showed they increased substantially around the globe in 2010. FL saw fewer shark assaults in 2010, however the state still led the U.S. in that statistic. The belief that sharks are colorblind, as proven in a recent study, may contribute to better shark attack prevention for ocean adventurers.
What you need to know about shark attacks
There were 79 shark attacks recorded last year on the Worldwide Shark Attack file the University of FL put together which is the most since 1980 when there were 80. Deaths occurred in six of the shark attacks. From the 63 total shark attacks in 2009, that's a 25 percent increase. The normal 36 assaults occurred in the U.S. It still made the country a leader though. Australia, a country famous for sharks, was runner up with 14. Both Vietnam and Egypt had six while South Africa had eight. Within five days, four of the five Egyptian assaults happened. There was dead sheep dumped overboard by a passing cargo ship while recreational divers feed reef fishes and sharks. This happened during the hotter than normal Egyptian summer.
FL seeing less shark assaults
Most shark attacks typically come from FL. However, for the fourth straight year a decline in assaults was reported. The 10 year average for shark assaults in FL is at 23 while 13 were reported this year. Other states listed in the Shark Attack File consist of North Carolina (5), CA (4), HI (4) and SC (4). Several other places had just one shark attack. These included WA, VA, Texas, Oregon, Maine and Georgia. Part of the reason why the 2010 number of shark assaults was probably so low was due to the British Petroleum oil leak reducing the number of Florida tourists.
How to stop shark assaults
Surfers accounted for more than half of the shark attack cases last year. Sharks are colorblind as a recent study showed. That means protection is possible. Sharks see in shades of gray and wet suits and surfboards with a lower visual contrast may be less attractive. When attacking, sharks are usually just curious. They are not trying to get a meal. You will find black wetsuits that are worn by surfers a lot. Usually this is high contrast and is noticed. The United States navy nicknamed the attraction to yellow sharks has as "yum, yum yellow". Blue or green wet suits with a lower contrast could prevent shark assaults.
Citations
MSNBC
msnbc.msn.com/id/41458324/ns/world_news-world_environment/?GT1=43001
Gainesville Sune
gainesville.com/article/20110207/ARTICLES/110209535/1109/sports?Title=Economy-to-blame-for-drop-in-Florida-shark-attacks-expert-says&tc=ar
Los Angeles Times
latimesblogs.latimes.com/outposts/2011/01/sharks-are-color-blind-shark-attacks.html
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