Jorge Benitez via ReutersĪ whopping 791 shark attacks have been reported between 20, according to data published by the International Shark Attack File, with an annual global average of 80 bites. Great bite The shark could be seen thrashing about in the rough water at Middles Beach in Puerto Rico. The US recorded the largest number of shark bites, reporting 33 incidents, while Australia recorded 18. This year has seen 49 shark attacks – six being fatal – across the globe, as the underwater predators continue to get closer to humans. However, despite a spike in maulings by the ferocious beasts and signs warning of attacks on beaches in the US and Australia, swimmers are still putting themselves at risk. It comes after the number of shark attacks explodes across the globe as swimmers continue to ignore bloodbath warning signs – seeing nearly 800 people mauled in just nine years.Īmerica has overtaken Australia for the number of attacks with Cape Cod, Massachusetts, now considered the shark capital of the world.Įxperts report seeing 50 in the popular holiday haven alone this summer. Shark attacks in waters off Puerto Rico are rare – with the most recent incident reported back in 2011. “Although it’s known they are around the areas, but apparently they have enough food so we barely have incidents if any.” “This is the first shark I see,” Benitez said. He says sharks are rarely spotted in the area. Stunned onlooker Jorge Benitez filmed the too close for comfort encounter as his friends fled from the massive predator. Surfer Rolando Montes can be seen making a panicked bid to paddle back to the safety of the beach while his pal also tries to get away on top of his board. Two people in the water can be seen desperately trying to swim away as the shark thrashes in the water close by at Middles Beach, Isabela. Heart-stopping footage shows the beast’s dorsal fin poking out of the water in Puerto Rico as choppy waves crash around it – just feet away from the pair. This is the dramatic moment two surfers were chased by a huge shark as they frantically tried to race back to shore. The six surprising signs of deadly cancer you don’t know Spotify Wrapped 2021: The 5 top artists, songs and albums of the year The signs of Christmas tree syndrome and how it can ruin your festive fun Outsider.Oxford High School shooter ‘posted gun pic before rampage’ With the help of local shark fishers and passionate scientists, Conservación ConCiencia hopes to protect the shark population and other marine life.
Pop culture phenomena like “Shark Week” do not begin to cover the efforts of shark conservation programs. “Many don’t realize that in the Caribbean so many local organizations on the ground have the capacity to do amazing conservation work but lack the access to conservation funding,” Hueter adds. There is a stigma surrounding Puerto Rico: as part of the United States, people think that non-profits like these are well-funded. With big dreams, more funding is necessary. Its website states that they hope for “a world where nature can thrive, economies prosper and people flourish.” The non-profit’s vision is an inspiring one. “How Puerto Rico has stayed under the radar of the shark world for so long considering how much exciting work is waiting to be done here!” Hueter says. He explains the possibilities of what these programs can do. Robert Hueter is the Chief Scientist at OCEARCH. This is why its location is prime for learning about sharks and their environments. Puerto Rico has a diverse population of deep-sea creatures and vegetation.