Increasing Shark attacks !

We have always known that swimming in the ocean invited a possible shark attack, but the risk was said to be so remote that it was compared with being struck by lightning.    How then to explain three shark deaths in the waters of Western Australia in the past two months ?

A surfer was killed at Bunker Bay in the south-west last month, and in the past two weeks swimmers died in the jaws of sharks near Rottnest Island and at Cottesloe beach.   In each instance, experts attest that the most likely attacker was a Great White shark.

In all fairness, there are a lot more of us now.   The Australian population has topped twenty-two million people and we enjoy a beach culture.   More people in the water probably increases the odds of being an attack victim, but could other features be playing a part in this phenomenon ?

Global warming is delivering more days of beach weather, and it is said that there has been a small rise in water temperatures.   Perhaps this has an effect on fish movements, resulting in sharks becoming more aggressive in their hunt for food.

Then there is the change from passive to active in our search for adventure.    It has become the custom to invite people to enter a shark proof cage and observe sharks up close and personal in their own domain.   As part of the routine to ensure that there are sharks to be seen, what is called " Chum " is spread in the water nearby to attract the sharks - and this is a mixture of animal blood and offal.   Could this be responsible for sharks thinking that humans are now part of their menu ?

Another factor could be the move by conservation people to discourage fishing for sharks.  Once the main ingredient of " fish and chips " was shark - referred to as " Flake ".    Asian fishermen hunted shark for their fins as this is the base for the revered  "Shark Fin soup ", but now sharks are claimed to be an endangered species and shark fishing is discouraged.

There could be another explanation.   Great White sharks are top of the shark totem pole - and as predators they dine on lesser sharks.   If numbers are decreasing in the general shark population, perhaps humans have moved up a notch or two as possible alternatives.

Hopefully, the boffins will eventually come up with answers and we may have to adjust our attitude to using the oceans accordingly.    One thing seems abundantly clear.   The greatest number of attack victims are those swimming alone.   Perhaps people in greater numbers intimidate sharks - but it should certainly be a factor in deciding where and when we will go for a swim - and choosing to do so with numerous companions.

These days - getting struck by lightning seems to be a less remote option !