A Media Hype or a Management Concern? Shark Attacks: A Media Hype or a Management Concern? Doug Piatkowski

Apex Predators Essential for balance of aquatic food chain Acute predatory senses Efficient Predators - Ampullae of Lorenzini, Smell (detect blood – 1 part per million), Sound (600 yards away), Lateral Line (vibration sensitive hair cells) Jaws - Upper jaw slides forward and lower jaw drops - Pressure of 2,000 lbs. per sq. in.

Problems Populations declined up to 80% since 70’s Hunted for sport and commercially International trade of shark fins “Shark Fin Soup” - Global trade of shark fins - >7,000 tons of fins/year Souvenirs – jaws and teeth Slow Growth, late maturity, and low reproductive potential Human Fear – lack of compassion and protection

Recent Attacks July 6, 2001 Jessie Arbogast Horrifying attack by a Bull Shark Biggest media hyped shark attack since 1916 Fueled the “Summer of the Shark” News headlines, Dateline, and Time magazine cover story

Media Hype Fear - Decrease in coastal tourism 30 times more likely to get struck by lightning Summer 2000 - 3 shark attacks in Wrightsville Beach, NC Summer 2001 – 0 shark attacks!

Management Issues Efforts to create a sense of “control” and promote tourism Shark “task force” - ‘Prevent’ future attacks and “make our waters safer” Education – pamphlets, new articles… Ban Shark Feeding – “Pavlovian” situation SharkPOD’s – Electric shark repellent Shark Fencing

International Shark Attack File Should we keep our toes out of the water? International Shark Attack File Recent Global Trend DOWN! 2000 – 82 attacks 2001 – 52 attacks!