Fact Check: "Shark attacks on humans are rare, averaging about 80 incidents annually worldwide."
What We Know
Shark attacks on humans are indeed relatively rare. According to the International Shark Attack File (ISAF) 2024 report, there were 47 confirmed unprovoked shark bites worldwide in 2024, which is significantly lower than the average of 64 incidents per year over the previous five years (2019-2023). The report also noted that there were 24 provoked bites, which occur when humans initiate interaction with sharks. The total number of shark-related fatalities in 2024 was seven, with four classified as unprovoked, aligning with the five-year average of six unprovoked fatalities per year.
Historical data supports the claim of rarity. For instance, the ISAF 2023 report documented 69 confirmed unprovoked cases, consistent with the five-year average of 63 incidents annually. Other sources, such as a Wikipedia entry and a comprehensive statistics article, indicate that the average number of unprovoked shark attacks has hovered around 80 incidents annually over the past decade.
Analysis
The claim that shark attacks average about 80 incidents annually is partially true, as it reflects a broader trend over a longer time frame. While the ISAF data for 2024 shows a lower number of confirmed unprovoked bites (47), the five-year average is indeed closer to 64 incidents per year. Additionally, the claim does not specify whether it refers to unprovoked bites only or includes provoked incidents, which can inflate the total count.
The reliability of the ISAF as a source is high, given its established role in documenting and analyzing shark attacks globally. The organization is affiliated with the Florida Museum of Natural History and uses rigorous methodologies to classify and report incidents. However, the variability in annual data, as noted in the reports, suggests that while averages can provide a general picture, they may not accurately reflect yearly fluctuations.
Other sources, such as Safe Waters and Field & Stream, corroborate the general trend of around 70 to 80 unprovoked shark attacks annually, emphasizing that the majority of these incidents do not result in fatalities. This context is crucial for understanding the rarity of such events.
Conclusion
The claim that shark attacks on humans average about 80 incidents annually worldwide is Partially True. While historical averages do suggest that the number of unprovoked shark attacks has been around this figure, recent data from 2024 indicates a lower total of confirmed unprovoked bites. Therefore, while the statement captures a general trend, it does not accurately reflect the most current statistics.
Sources
- Yearly Worldwide Shark Attack Summary
- PDF The ISAF 2023 shark attack report - Florida Museum
- Shark attack
- D. R. Horton - Sign On
- Shark Attack Database - Global Shark Attack Statistics and Information
- How Many Shark Attacks Per Year? A Comprehensive Look at Global Statistics
- How Many Shark Attacks Are There Per Year?
- Shark Attack Statistics & Trends In 2025 - World Animal Foundation
