| Shark attacks increase in New Moon and warmer waters |
| Monday, 17 September 2012 14:45 |
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Shark Spotters, a pioneering South African shark safety program, has established a connection between lunar phase, water temperatures and shark sightings.Surfers have always been an easy target for all types of sharks. Many wave riders have lost their lives battling the power of sharks. Today, it's easier to escape a shark attack. At least, in South Africa. Adopted by the city of Cape Town as a response to a several shark bite incidents and increased shark sightings, "Shark Spotting" is now the primary shark safety program used in the region. Several spotters have been sending data including time of the day, lunar phase, water temperature, cloud cover, tides, and details on wind and swell. Now, the results are incrible. June and July have the least shark sightings and in September, these numbers increase into summer. In False Bay, the white shark community is mostly juvenile. Also, there are four times more chances of spotting a white shark in 18 degree water, than there is in 14 degree water. So, in warmer waters, surfers need to take care. An interesting trend shows the there's almost twice the chance of a sighting during a New Moon than a Full Moon. The reason might bait fish, as it is more active under cover of darkness, and therefore so are predators. Shark Spotters and WWF have published a list of anti-shark tips for surfers and bodyboarders. Here's how to defend yourself from a deadly sharks: 1. Preferably use surfing beaches where shark spotters and trained lifeguards are stationed. Take a look a the shark attack map, here. |
