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Fox News
9 hours ago
- Fox News
Beaches with most shark attacks as Americans pay tribute to 'Jaws' and activist weighs in
Print Close By Ashley DiMella Published June 20, 2025 With Friday marking the 50th anniversary of the iconic film "Jaws," many Americans are paying tribute to sharks even as reports of recent attacks grab headlines. On Tuesday, a swimmer was bitten on the leg while in South Carolina, according to Hilton Head Fire and Rescue. A nine-year-old girl was also recently bitten while snorkeling off Boca Grande, Florida. DAREDEVIL TO SWIM SHARK-FILLED WATERS IN CELEBRATION OF 'JAWS' 50TH ANNIVERSARY There have been 47 unprovoked shark bites globally in 2024, with 28 taking place in the U.S., according to the Florida Museum of Natural History's International Shark Attack File (ISAF). Florida beaches have logged the highest number of shark attacks, with 942 unprovoked bites since 1837. Hawaii has 199, while California has 141, ISAF has noted. Activist Julie Andersen, founder of the New York-based Shark Angels, told Fox News Digital that recent attacks do not indicate an increase in sharks in the oceans. SHARKS SURROUND SNORKELING TOURIST DURING WILD ENCOUNTER: 'THEY LOOKED TERRIFYING' "The rise in sightings is due to a mix of factors: more people in the water, better technology, shifting ocean conditions, and in some cases, successful conservation," she said. "Today, more swimmers, surfers and beachgoers are capturing and sharing their experiences." She added, "With drones, GoPros and social media, encounters that once went unnoticed are now widely shared. Sharks have always been there. We're just seeing them more often." Shark Angels is dedicated to shark conservation by transforming fear into fascination and promoting education to dispel myths about sharks, the group notes. RARE 16TH-CENTURY SHIPWRECK FOUND AT RECORD DEPTH IN FRENCH WATERS: 'REMARKABLE DISCOVERY' Andersen said that in places like California or Cape Cod, Massachusetts, white shark populations are rebounding "thanks to decades of protection." She said their return is a sign of healthier oceans. The American Association for the Advancement of Science estimates about 274,000 sharks are killed globally each day. Andersen said several beach communities are seeing higher numbers of sharks this summer. "Based on trends over the past few years, shark behavior is clearly shifting," she said. "From the West Coast to the East Coast and even parts of Mexico, sightings are increasing in places like California, Cape Cod, the Carolinas, Florida, and Baja." Andersen said, "New Smyrna Beach in Florida holds the title of 'shark bite capital of the world.' Located in Volusia County, it consistently tops global charts for shark encounters." For more Lifestyle articles, visit She also said that "most of these bites are minor, often from migrating small blacktip sharks mistaking toes and fingers for small bait fish. Many don't even require stitches." One daring endurance athlete is paying a special tribute to "Jaws" by swimming 62 miles around the island of Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts — where the film was set. Lewis Pugh said his goal is to raise awareness of the need to protect sharks and to change public perception of the mighty fish. Pugh said the popular 1975 movie showcased sharks as "villains, as cold-blooded killers," he told The Associated Press (AP). "It was a film about sharks attacking humans and for 50 years, we have been attacking sharks … It's completely unsustainable. It's madness. We need to respect them," Pugh told AP. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER Not sure what to do if you encounter a shark in the water? The folks at Shark Angels shared some insights to consider. 6 shark tips you must know this summer 1. "If a shark comes near you in the water, stay calm. Do not panic." 2. "Make and maintain eye contact. Sharks are opportunistic predators and prefer an easy target. When they know you see them, they are much less likely to approach." 3. "Avoid flailing, yelling or trying to hit the shark. Quick, erratic movements can trigger a response." CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP 4. "Instead, move slowly and steadily. Keep your eyes on the shark and calmly head toward shore or safety." 5. "Do not act like prey. Just as you would not run from a lion or a bear, do not flee from a shark." 6. "If you come across one in the wild, give it space and stay composed. Sharks are not looking for a human meal." Print Close URL
CNN
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- CNN
50 years of ‘Jaws' and shark attacks
50 years of 'Jaws' and shark attacks As Steven Spielberg's summer blockbuster 'Jaws' turns 50, CNN's Harry Enten figures out how likely it is to be attacked by a shark and whether we should fear the waters. 01:57 - Source: CNN Automated CNN Shorts 11 videos 50 years of 'Jaws' and shark attacks As Steven Spielberg's summer blockbuster 'Jaws' turns 50, CNN's Harry Enten figures out how likely it is to be attacked by a shark and whether we should fear the waters. 01:57 - Source: CNN Analyzing the impact of Israel's strikes on Iran Israel's strikes not only took out top Iranian leaders, they also caused civilian deaths. CNN's Katie Polglase breaks down the human toll at the locations where top Iranian officials were killed. 01:23 - Source: CNN FDA approves twice-a-year shot to prevent HIV A drug already used to treat HIV has now been given FDA approval to prevent new infections, and the drugmaker says it is remarkably effective. 01:20 - Source: CNN Analysis: What Israeli officials say publicly vs. privately on US involvement Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reasserted President Donald Trump is 'a tremendous friend of Israel' after Iranian missiles struck Soroka Hospital. CNN's Clarissa Ward reports from Tel Aviv on what officials are saying publicly and privately. 01:32 - Source: CNN Trump to allow two weeks before deciding on US strike in Iran In a White House briefing, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt shared a statement from President Donald Trump regarding a US strike on Iran. 00:32 - Source: CNN Trump admin. to end 988 suicide prevention service for LGBTQ+ youth The Trump administration is ending the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline's specialized services for LGBTQ+ youth on July 17. CNN's Jacqueline Howard reports. 01:01 - Source: CNN How people can show up for the Black community For Juneteenth, CNN political historian Leah Wright Rigueur and senior political commentator Van Jones discuss the significance of supporting the Black community. 01:51 - Source: CNN Iranian missile strikes major Israeli medical center CNN's International Diplomatic Editor, Nic Robertson, reports from Beer Sheva, Israel, where a hospital was struck during an Iranian attack. Iran said it was targeting an Israeli intelligence and command center 'near a hospital.' There have been no reported deaths from the strike. 01:04 - Source: CNN Israel's defense minister: Khamenei cannot 'continue to exist' Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz said Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei cannot be allowed to 'continue to exist,' after an Israeli hospital was struck by an Iranian missile on Thursday. 00:13 - Source: CNN SpaceX Starship rocket explodes An explosion occurred late Wednesday night at SpaceX's Starbase facility in South Texas. A Starship rocket preparing for its tenth flight test experienced a 'major anomaly,' SpaceX says. There were no injuries and all employees are accounted for, according to SpaceX. The cause of the explosion and the extent of any damage are unclear. CNN has reached out to local police and fire departments for more information. 00:35 - Source: CNN DO NOT USE 06:14 - Source: CNN
Telegraph
28-05-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
The popular Australian seaside town plagued by deadly shark attacks
Esperance is regularly touted for possessing some of the world's best beaches, but now this popular Australian tourist town is facing a crisis after becoming plagued by shark attacks. Swimmers and surfers have long flocked this dreamy spot on the isolated south coast of Western Australia, about 400 miles from state capital Perth. But many locals and tourists have become wary of entering Esperance's crystalline seas due to a tragic spate of shark attacks. Esperance had gone more than 100 years without such a death before four people were killed by sharks in just the last eight years. This harrowing sequence of events has not only devastated the town's tiny community of about 10,000 people. It has also affected its reputation as a tourist destination, and sparked debate about just how aggressively authorities should implement anti-shark measures. Most recently, in March, a 37-year-old tourist from Melbourne, Steven Jeffrey Payne, was surfing at Wharton Beach near Esperance when he died from a shark bite. Another surfer, 52-year-old Esperance man Andrew Sharpe, passed away in similar circumstances in October 2020 at Esperance's Kelp Beds. Earlier that year, 57-year-old local Gary Johnson was killed by a shark while scuba diving at Cull Island near Esperance. And in April 2017, a 17-year-old tourist from Mandurah was fatally wounded by a shark while surfing at Kelp Beds. It means Esperance has had four of the last seven deadly shark attacks in Western Australia. Such a concentration of deaths is unprecedented in this colossal state, which has more than 8,000 miles of coastline. As a result, these shark attacks have received heavy news coverage. Ron Chambers, Esperance Shire President, said many locals and visitors were now cautious about entering the sea. 'Every life lost, be it a visitor or local, is deeply felt across the region,' Mr Chambers said. 'Locals and visitors are more alert, but not avoiding the water altogether. Some change where and when they enter the water, [but] the recent shark incidents have not stopped people coming to Esperance, our tourist numbers are still high.' Should visitors to Western Australia be concerned? The state's Tourism Minister Reece Whitby said it has one of Australia's most comprehensive programmes aimed at protecting the public from sharks. It uses shark tagging, shark lookout towers, helicopter shark patrols, beachside warning systems, and shark sighting apps. It also operates 'swimming enclosures' at seven of its most popular beaches, including Town Beach in Esperance, where a 300m net helps to block sharks. The Western Australian government has also committed AUD $45,000 to upgrade seaside shark warning towers at Esperance's Twilight Beach, West Beach, and Kelp Beds. Government employees also visit locations inundated with sharks, such as floating whale carcasses. There they attach digital tags to the most dangerous shark species: great white, tiger, and bull. Certain beaches across Western Australia have digital receivers which can detect these tagged sharks. A detection prompts the nearby shark warning tower to activate flashing lights and warning sirens for at least one hour. Further shark detection comes via WA's Shark Smart phone app, which members of the public can use to log a shark sighting. Swimmers and surfers can check this app for real time reports of shark sightings. All four of Esperance's recent attacks involved great white sharks, a giant species up to 6m long. A 2018 study by Australia's top scientific body, the CSIRO, found there were more than 1,000 great whites in Western Australian waters. Esperance's natural environment and tourist activity have combined to cause its spate of shark attacks, said Dr Gavin Naylor, director of the Florida Program for Shark Research. 'Esperance is a pristine part of the coastline with a rich marine life, including a healthy population of Australian sea lions, a favourite food of white sharks,' Dr Naylor said. 'The increased density of white sharks in the area has resulted in an increase in bites on surfers. The surfers are likely mistaken for seals flopping around at the surface.' Should I be worried about sharks in Australia? Deadly shark attacks may make the news, but they're far less common than fatal car crashes, for example, says Dr Vincent Raoult, a marine ecologist from Australia's Griffith University. Over the past decade, Australia's had an average of 2.7 fatal shark attacks per year. Its annual road deaths are more than 40 times higher than that. Tourists to Australia can reduce their chances of encountering a shark by following simple advice. Avoid entering the sea at dawn or dusk, when sharks are more active. Choose beaches that have shark nets, shark lookout towers, or lifeguard patrols. Stay close to the shore, and avoid beaches with heavy fishing activity, which can attract sharks. Australian marine biologist Madeline Riley also recommends shark deterrent devices, which attach to a swimmers' limb and emit electrical pulses that can repel sharks. 'Some can reduce the risk of bites by around 60 per cent,' she said.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Public policy expert praises movie Jaws (even with flaws) on 50th anniversary for helping (after harming) sharks
When Steven Spielberg's smash hit film Jaws opened in theatres in June 1975, it kindled a worldwide panic about shark bites that led many sharks to die by human hands. But as the original summer blockbuster nears its 50th anniversary, an expert on the politics of shark attacks has said it also deserves qualified praise for getting more people involved with shark conservation. Jaws 'provided the justification for, and weakened push-back against, all the anti-shark public policies that followed," acknowledged Chris Pepin-Neff, a public policy lecturer at the University of Sydney, in an article for Scientific American on Monday. "Yet, at 50 years old, Jaws is also a celebration of sharks, creating a fascination that helped lead to more than two generations of new shark researchers,' he writes. For nearly 20 years, Pepin-Neff has been studying how politicians in Australia and beyond respond to shark attacks, including how they draw on filmic examples to justify their actions — a phenomenon Pepin-Neff calls the "Jaws Effect.' They argue that interventions such as shark hunts, anti-shark netting, and baited traps do little to keep swimmers safe and do great harm to marine wildlife, propping up a false belief that the ocean can be governed by human institutions. "Initially, the movie's biggest impact was to portray shark bites as intentional "attacks" on swimmers," Pepin-Neff wrote. "[This] fictional story of the human-shark relationship ... has been one of the most successful Hollywood narratives in motion picture history.' The public 'believed this story of intentionality so completely that every shark bite was essentially a murder, and every shark a potential murderer, and the beach was the scene of a crime by a deviant monster against innocent beachgoers,' he notes. Shark populations have dropped drastically over the past few decades, and the film reportedly inspired a short-term burst of trophy fishing off the coast of the US. However, it's not clear how much Jaws had to do with the overall decline, because sharks are hunted commercially to make shark fin soup in far greater numbers than are killed for sport – or 'retaliation' or fear. Either way, Pepin-Neff also notes how many people involved with the making of the film later became strong advocates of shark protection, such as diver and documentarian Valerie Taylor and scientific consultant Leonard Compagno. Peter Benchley, who wrote the original novel that Spielberg's film is adapted from, spoke out frequently in support of sharks and wrote a book arguing that humans caused them more trouble than the other way around. 'Please, in the name of nature, do not mount a mindless assault on an endangered animal for making an innocent — however tragic — mistake,' he wrote in an open letter in 2000, urging Australians not to kill a shark that had recently killed a human. 'This was not a rogue shark, tantalized by the taste of human flesh and bound now to kill and kill again. Such creatures do not exist, despite what you might have derived from Jaws.' Spielberg too has said he "truly regrets" the impact Jaws had on sharks, joking that they might be "somehow still mad at [him] for the feeding frenzy of crazy sport fishermen that happened after 1975.' "Today, humanity has grown to have a better appreciation for all sharks, even those that swim near the beach," concluded Pepin-Neff. "We owe some of the public sentiment that it's 'safe to go back in the water' to Jaws.
