In 2022, the number of unprovoked shark attacks on humans was the lowest in ten years, aside from 2020, according to the Florida Museum of Natural History. This trend adds to the long-term view of shark-human interactions and helps frame risk in coastal regions.
Looking back since 2013, the average has hovered around 74 unprovoked bites per year. The dip in 2020 aligns with the pandemic era when beachgoers and travelers stayed away from resort destinations. In 2022, the count stood at 57 bites, with most incidents occurring in the United States and Australia. Five of the 2022 bites were fatal, compared with nine fatalities in 2021 and nine in 2013, illustrating fluctuations that accompany changing human activity and marine ecosystems.
Florida remained the hotspot for attacks, consistent with prior years. None of the 16 Florida cases in 2022 resulted in death, though two were severe enough to necessitate amputation when blunt-nosed sharks (Carcharhinus leucas) were involved. A diver was bitten by a lemon shark (Negaprion brevirostris), an animal that infrequently targets humans. That incident marked only the 11th known unprovoked attack of this kind in history. Across the United States, there has been only one unprovoked attack death on record in recent years.
In Australia, nine confirmed unprovoked bites were recorded in 2022, with a single bite reported in New Zealand, Thailand, and Brazil. The two fatal incidents in 2022 occurred on the same day in the Egyptian Red Sea, a region where shark encounters are relatively uncommon. South Africa, which experiences occasional bites throughout the year, recorded two unprovoked bites in 2022, both fatal and likely linked to great white sharks.
Overall, the decline in bites observed in 2022 may reflect broader shifts in shark populations around the globe, as marine ecosystems respond to environmental pressures and human activity. Continued monitoring helps researchers understand how seasonal patterns, water temperature, prey availability, and protection measures influence bite risk over time. (Florida Museum of Natural History)
These data points underscore the importance of coastal awareness and safety practices for swimmers, divers, and beach communities. While shark encounters can capture public attention, they remain a rare event relative to the number of people who enjoy oceans and beaches each year. Ongoing study and transparent reporting support informed decision-making for public safety, wildlife management, and conservation efforts. (Florida Museum of Natural History)