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

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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

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

6. 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

7. 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!