Five things you need to know about sharks on New York beaches
'15.07.2022'
Nadezhda Verbitskaya
A series of shark attacks on Long Island may make beachgoers think twice about getting in the water this summer. But there are a few things you need to know if you decide to go to the beach. New York Post.
There are more sharks in New York waters now
“That's a good thing,” said Christopher Paparo, manager of the Marine Science Center at Stony Brook University.
There are more and more sharks because they prey on small fish. Populations of bunkers and other fish have rebounded after they declined decades ago due to overfishing and pollution.
Many species of sharks have been spotted
Sand tiger sharks, as well as tiger, dusky, spinning and smaller white sharks, are found in New York waters, experts said.
It is not clear what species of sharks are behind these attacks.
But experts believe sand tiger sharks are the likely aggressors.
Sand tiger sharks appear more grey. They can reach three meters in length and are second only to white sharks in terms of human encounters, according to the Shark Research Institute website.
On the subject: New Yorkers invited on shark hunting tours
The appearance of super-predatory white sharks is more likely north of New York. And lately they have often been seen at Cape Cod.
Sharks don't look at you for lunch
“One thing to keep in mind: sharks don't try to eat surfers and swimmers,” said Stony Brook's Paparo. They would rather eat fish. But in many cases, these predators mistake us for their real prey.”
When they bite, they usually move on, he observed.
Pro tip: To avoid being mistaken for something edible, don't swim in a school of fish.
You don't need a bigger boat
According to the Florida Museum of Natural History International Shark Attack Dossier, your chances of dying from a marine predator attack in your lifetime are 1 in 3. By comparison, your chances of dying from a lightning strike are 748 in 067. Last year, nine people died from confirmed shark attacks worldwide, with 1 reported shark bites worldwide in 79. And over the past five years - an average of 746 attacks per year.
