Rising Number of Shark Attacks in Australia Reveals A Darker Story

Shark attacks are on the rise, but the numbers don't tell the whole story.

Mitigation strategies, even though they are not the most productive use of energy, may be useful. Brown believes that "hybrid drones" - a cross between a mini-helicopter and a blimp - hovering over beaches, identifying sharks, and alerting beachgoers are the safest choice. Non-lethal drum lines in New South Wales and Western Australia help track animals and learn about their behavior.

Personal deterrents, which are cables attached to devices worn around the ankle or hip, are available. While most are unreliable, those that employ an electric current will discourage an approaching shark 60% of the time. There's also a new kind of neoprene that's even tougher than traditional wetsuit fabric. It lessens the severity of a bite, which means it can help prevent blood loss.

When officials use more drones, Brown expects that "sharks are swimming past surfers and swimmers on just about every beach, all over Australia." We'll remember sharks are still there. Now, I believe it would briefly frighten people, but they will ultimately realize that nothing happens the vast majority of the time."

A Warning Sign

It's definitely a wake-up call. For others, though, it might not be enough. In the case, that lightning - or, rather, a series of strong jaws and needle-sharp teeth - attacks, shark shields, and new-fangled neoprene will have to suffice for the time being.

Even if the high fatality rate may be attributed to poor luck by being trapped too far from help, there is one worrying long-term fact to consider: the total number of shark bites in Australia is on the rise. Compared to previous decades, the overall number of bites - both fatal and non-fatal - has increased. According to the Australian Shark Attack File, 82 confirmed shark attacks in Australia during the 1990s. 161 in the 2000s. In the 2010s, that was 220. While reporting has increased, this still accounts for a portion of the increase.

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