Hold on to your swim shorts. This isn’t another Syfy movie featuring Tara Reid that involves a

swirling vortex of sharks attacking our sandy beaches.

Since 2011, there has been an increase in Shark attacks reported around the globe. Let's delve

deeper into the great sea and see all the factors that are contributing to this rise.  

Shark attacks in the United States and six other countries have been the main regions for these

attacks and almost 4% of shark attacks from these are other countries account for shark bites.

The countries include Brazil, South Africa, Reunion, Bahamas, and Australia, to name a few and

out of all the places for attacks to happen around the world, nearly half took place in waters in

the United States.

One scary phenomenon is that marine species around the world have been moving north.

Pollution, over populated beaches, and warm weather have all contributed to warmer human

bodies on the beaches. This deadly combination then can become fatal and tragic. Florida

remains the most frequented location in the US that shark attacks take place.

Moving towards the West Coast of the United States, there have been sightings of a

congregation of Sharks located off the surf of Southern California. These sharks are known as

Carcharodon Carcharias. They were found hanging around Dana Point, which is a popular

hotspot for this species.

The Orange County Sheriffs office was contacted on May 10th about the gang of sharks

moving in. The Sheriff Deputy had a helicopter announce on their loudspeaker to inform the

paddleboarders about the sightings of the Great Whites in the water. After taking a closer look

they realized it was a group of about 15 toddler sharks swarming the surf in Southern California

location. The tiny tots ranged from about 1-2 years old and these were not the blood lusting

predators they were first thinking of. These tots generally range from 5-7 feet and they are only

1.5 to 2 meters long. The director of the California State University Shark Lab explains that they

are most likely heading into more shallow waters because it is safer and offers a plethora of

their favorite meals which include stingrays. Lowe also stated that while these shark sightings

are normal in this region, it’s abnormal for this time of year and for the number of sharks seen.

Due to the ever-warming changes in our climate Sharks are having to travel to further lengths to

get their food supply. Global warming is starting to diminish food sources that were easier

accessible before. Globally we are lacking solutions that will help resolve some of the damage

caused to our earth which hurts our sea life.

Sharks have been around for millions of years and will continue to remain amongst us. So, 

up to each one of us to decide.

Is the increase in shark attacks due to a warmer climate? Or perhaps it is simply millions of

years of evolution in the works.