Squiz Today Squiz Shortcuts: A shark attack spike
Jan 22, 2026
A surge in shark attacks has sparked renewed discussions about ocean safety in Australia. Recent conditions like murky waters and warmer seas have heightened the risk of bull shark encounters. Historical data reveals attack hotspots and species responsible for fatalities, including bull and great white sharks. Experts explore climate change and population factors contributing to rising incidents. Strategies for prevention, like nets and drones, are reviewed, alongside advice on how to react if confronted by a shark. Dive into the fascinating world of sharks and safety!
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Long History But Low Mortality
- Australia has recorded over a thousand shark attacks since 1791 and mortality is now very low at about 0.9 deaths per year.
- Shark attacks have tripled from ~6.5 per year in the 1990s to ~20 per year in the past decade, suggesting changing risk exposure.
Fatalities Concentrated In Western Australia
- Most attacks happen in New South Wales and Queensland, but Western Australia records the most fatalities.
- Higher fatality counts in WA may reflect ecological factors like whale migrations drawing great whites closer to shore.
Few Species Cause Most Attacks
- Only four species cause most fatal attacks: bull, tiger, oceanic white tip and great white sharks.
- Sharks rarely prefer humans and often attack out of curiosity, misidentification or opportunism.