Scientists claim HUMANS are to blame for increase in shark attacks
Shark attacks are usually rare but their rise in recent years has been put down to one major factor - us.
Scientists believe that humans are directly to blame for man-eating sharks taking a greater interest in our bodies lately.
Researchers at Bond University in Queensland, Australia, believe that human interference with their habitat - like scuba diving and coastal development - is the reason.
Last year their were 98 reported shark attacks - which is an 11% increase on the previous record of 88% in 2000.
Our fault: Experts believe activities like scuba diving have brought a rise in shark attacks (Rex/posed by model)
Overall, there has been a staggering 69% rise over the last ten years and warmer seas because of global warming are also thought to be to blame.
Dr Blake Chapman and Dr Daryl McPhee, who conducted the study, said: “Coastal development and infrastructure can have major environmental implications on the distribution of sharks, and this can flow on to the number of unprovoked shark bites.”
Citing the construction of a new port in Recife, Brazil, the scientists believe the sharp rise in the number of sharks mauling people is down to the destruction of their habitat and forcing them closer to humans.
Man-eaters: Sharks are being forced closer to humans because of mankind’s behaviour (Rex)
The researchers added: “Unprovoked shark bite was virtually unheard of in Recife prior to the construction and operation of the Suape Port.
“However, due to environmental changes displacing local shark species and the presence of increased shipping activity, Recife is now renowned for having one of the highest rates of shark bites per unit area in the world.”
Most attacks on humans are carried out by great white sharks, bull sharks and tiger sharks, with 84% of bites taking place in just six countries or territories, including the US, South Africa, Australia, Brazil, the Bahamas and Reunion.
Top pic: Rex
